«
»

Chat with Elise Primavera, Feb. 18

Live Blog Live Chat with Elise Primavera, MS. RAPSCOTT’S GIRLS
 Live Chat with Elise Primavera, MS. RAPSCOTT'S GIRLS(02/18/2015) 
4:29
Nora - EarlyWord: 
We will begin our live online chat with Elise Primavera, author of Ms. Rapscott’s Girls at 5 p.m., EST
Wednesday February 18, 2015 4:29 Nora - EarlyWord
4:30
Nora - EarlyWord: 
Meanwhile, here’s the cover of Ms. Rapscott’s Girls, to be publised on March 10th, from Penguin/Dial:
Wednesday February 18, 2015 4:30 Nora - EarlyWord
4:30
 Nora - EarlyWord
Wednesday February 18, 2015 4:30 
4:30
Nora - EarlyWord: 
An advance, starred review from Booklist:
Wednesday February 18, 2015 4:30 Nora - EarlyWord
4:31
 Nora - EarlyWord
Wednesday February 18, 2015 4:31 
4:47
Nora - EarlyWord: 
If yo'u've read the book, the label on this box should make you laugh:
Wednesday February 18, 2015 4:47 Nora - EarlyWord
4:47
 Nora - EarlyWord
Wednesday February 18, 2015 4:47 
4:53
Nora - EarlyWord: 
We'll begin in a few minutes.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 4:53 Nora - EarlyWord
4:53
Nora - EarlyWord: 
You can send your questions through at any time. They'll go into a queue, and we'll submit as many of them as we can to the author before the end of the chat.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 4:53 Nora - EarlyWord
4:53
Nora - EarlyWord: 
Don’t worry about typos – we’ll make them too!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 4:53 Nora - EarlyWord
4:54
[Comment From JamieJamie: ] 
Excited to join you guys.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 4:54 Jamie
4:54
[Comment From LaylaLayla: ] 
Looking forward to this chat!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 4:54 Layla
5:00
Nora - EarlyWord: 
Our moderator is Lisa Von Drasek, curator of the Children’s Literature Research Collections at the University of Minnesota, one of the world’s largest collections of children’s literature manuscripts and original. Before that, she was the Children's Librarian of the Bank Street College of Education. She’s also served on many awards committees including the Newbery, the National Book Awards for Young People's Literature and American Library Association's Notable Children's Books.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:00 Nora - EarlyWord
5:00
Nora - EarlyWord: 
Say hi, Lisa!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:00 Nora - EarlyWord
5:00
lisa von drasek: 
Hi Nora
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:00 lisa von drasek
5:00
Elise: 
HI Lisa!!!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:00 Elise
5:00
lisa von drasek: 
This is so exciting for me!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:00 lisa von drasek
5:00
Elise: 
Me too!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:00 Elise
5:01
lisa von drasek: 
I met Elise when her book Raising Dragons won the Children's Choice award- Irma Black Award...
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:01 lisa von drasek
5:01
lisa von drasek: 
at my old school Bank Street College of Education
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:01 lisa von drasek
5:02
Elise: 
One of my all time fave books!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:02 Elise
5:02
lisa von drasek: 
Elise, it is so exciting for me to talk to you about Rapscott Girls...
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:02 lisa von drasek
5:02
lisa von drasek: 
Is it okay if we abbreviate?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:02 lisa von drasek
5:02
[Comment From BettyBetty: ] 
Hi Everyone!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:02 Betty
5:02
[Comment From NJ GalNJ Gal: ] 
Hi Elise & Lisa!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:02 NJ Gal
5:02
[Comment From FrannyFranny: ] 
This is my first -- thanks so much for doing this. Love the book!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:02 Franny
5:02
Elise: 
Thanks Franny!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:02 Elise
5:03
lisa von drasek: 
MRSFGOBP this seems complicated
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:03 lisa von drasek
5:03
Elise: 
Say Rapscott?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:03 Elise
5:03
lisa von drasek: 
Can I call it Rapscotts Girls?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:03 lisa von drasek
5:03
Elise: 
Yes!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:03 Elise
5:04
lisa von drasek: 
Any way.... can you say a few words about what inspired this story?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:04 lisa von drasek
5:04
Elise: 
Ok, Lisa...here goes.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:04 Elise
5:04
Elise: 
MS. RAPSCOTT started out as a MADELINE type book – episodic stories of little girls in a boarding school setting. But instead of being orphans I thought it would be funny if the girl’s parents were just terribly busy.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:04 Elise
5:05
Elise: 
When I started to think about the teacher of this school I thought about a character from my first novel, GUMM STREET, named Franny Muggs who had a morbid fascination for Mt. Everest, Amelia Earhart and failed missions like Shackleton’s to the South Pole. I thought that a grownup version of Franny would make an interesting headmistress.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:05 Elise
5:05
Elise: 
As you can see MS. RAPSCOTT turned out nothing like Madeline!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:05 Elise
5:05
lisa von drasek: 
I love the getting lost "on Purpose".... have you ever done that for real?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:05 lisa von drasek
5:06
Elise: 
I have a fear of getting lost for sure! Do everything to avoid it...
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:06 Elise
5:07
[Comment From NM LibrarianNM Librarian: ] 
Do you have any real life experience with "daughters of very busy parents?"
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:07 NM Librarian
5:07
Elise: 
who Doesn't is the question!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:07 Elise
5:08
Elise: 
Why are we all so busy? I'm busier than ever and can't figure out why!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:08 Elise
5:08
Elise: 
I think I'll blame it on my iPhone...
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:08 Elise
5:08
[Comment From FrennyFrenny: ] 
There’s such a sense of fun in this book. I imagine you chuckling away as you work. Do you also get frustrated?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:08 Frenny
5:09
[Comment From JamieJamie: ] 
Love the mom who doesn’t have time for her kids because she’s posting on a mommie blog. You must have written that for adults. Do you think of adults reading the book to kids and tucking things in for them?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:09 Jamie
5:09
Elise: 
All the time - the writing of this book took three revisions!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:09 Elise
5:09
[Comment From DeborahDeborah: ] 
What is the significance behind the name "Rapscott?"
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:09 Deborah
5:09
Elise: 
Jamie, yes, I do think of the adults and the mom blogger was an evil addition of mine
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:09 Elise
5:10
lisa von drasek: 
From the peanut gallery- I have had 2 Corgis and they are wonderful dogs. How did you decide to have Corgis in the story as Ms. Rapscott's companions and assistant
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:10 lisa von drasek
5:11
Elise: 
I used to ride horses and when I was twenty I went to England to a place called Great Rapscott to ride
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:11 Elise
5:11
Elise: 
I own a dachshund. But my Lulu is a couch potato with a mind of her own and would not do well as anyone’s assistant. She won’t even come when I call her unless I have food. But my aunt has three corgis and they seem very smiley and rough and ready for any adventure and eager to please.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:11 Elise
5:11
 lisa von drasek
Lulu Primavera
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:11 
5:12
[Comment From JamieJamie: ] 
Ha! I KNEW that the mommies blogger mom was a way of sending a message to adults!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:12 Jamie
5:12
Elise: 
HA! There she is!!!! And that's where she is right now.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:12 Elise
5:12
[Comment From LaylaLayla: ] 
Love the clever boxes for the books – who came up with those?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:12 Layla
5:12
Elise: 
I came up with the boxes - and my editor and I kind of both decided they should fly
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:12 Elise
5:13
Elise: 
I do remember laughing when I thought of the boxes!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:13 Elise
5:13
 lisa von drasek
Sketch of heads -- Ms. Rapscott and Girls
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:13 
5:13
lisa von drasek: 
Elise- I think of you as for most , an illustrator then a storyteller. can you tell us a little about the art in Rapscott Girls?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:13 lisa von drasek
5:14
Elise: 
The interior black and white illustrations were done on Arches 140 lb. Hot Press watercolor paper. I used lead pencils and charcoal pencils.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:14 Elise
5:14
lisa von drasek: 
Did you go to art school?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:14 lisa von drasek
5:14
Elise: 
The cover was done in pastel - a technique that I used for Auntie Claus and Raising Dragons
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:14 Elise
5:14
lisa von drasek: 
what brought you to children's books?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:14 lisa von drasek
5:15
Elise: 
I went to Moore College of art in Phil PA.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:15 Elise
5:15
Elise: 
The only all girls art school in the country
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:15 Elise
5:15
lisa von drasek: 
Can you describe your typical work day?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:15 lisa von drasek
5:15
Elise: 
A move my mother still says I'm paying for because I missed my opp to meet tehe great guy!! LOL
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:15 Elise
5:16
lisa von drasek: 
And that is why girls go to school....to meet boys!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:16 lisa von drasek
5:16
Elise: 
OK - typical day

I get up at around 6:30, with the exception of Wednesdays when I get up at 5:30 to work out with a trainer at the gym at 7:45.

I like to read while I have breakfast and drink coffee, then take a shower, dress and get Lulu, my dachshund, out for a walk. I start to either write or do art in the morning beginning around 9:00 or so. That’s when I’m the freshest. I work all day pretty much, getting up and down to walk the dog, do laundry etc. If I have errands I’ll do them at lunch and then work for a few more hours in the afternoon. At about 5:00 I feed Lulu, and then go the gym.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:16 Elise
5:16
 lisa von drasek
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:16 
5:16
Elise: 
That's what my mother has told me! ; )
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:16 Elise
5:17
 lisa von drasek
Elise's Studio on a snowy day
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:17 
5:17
[Comment From NJ GalNJ Gal: ] 
I see you're from Red Bank. Did Hurricane Sandy affect you?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:17 NJ Gal
5:17
[Comment From DeborahDeborah: ] 
How long did it take to write this book? Your website said it was due from Dial in 2013.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:17 Deborah
5:17
 lisa von drasek
Elise's studio.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:17 
5:17
Elise: 
Not so much me - but around me everything was destroyed.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:17 Elise
5:18
Elise: 
OH my gosh - I've lost track of how long it took
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:18 Elise
5:18
[Comment From DeborahDeborah: ] 
Will there be more Ms. Rapscott's Girls adventures? I hope so! I'm looking forward to reading about the fall semester.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:18 Deborah
5:18
Elise: 
The first draft was about 56 pages on the computer and my editor Nancy Conescu wanted more. We had a phone conversation and I remember saying to her, “Now you’re scaring me.”
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:18 Elise
5:18
Elise: 
I went back to work and added about sixty pages. At this point my original idea of it being a long picture book had gone out the window. I was in uncharted territory. But when I handed this draft in, Nancy wrote back that she loved what I had done…up to page 56!

Was I freaking out now? Um, yes.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:18 Elise
5:19
Elise: 
I actually had to put the story aside for six months before I could even approach the changes. It felt a little like stepping into the cage of some wild animal that I was going to have to tame...or fight…or be defeated by.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:19 Elise
5:19
Elise: 
Six months later I did venture into the lion’s cage. But something had changed. When I looked at Nancy’s comments this time I could see what she was talking about. For some odd reason (with the benefit of some time past?) something clicked inside my head. I was able to do the third draft this time and I knew I’d nailed it.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:19 Elise
5:19
[Comment From Susie QSusie Q: ] 
You mention your editor came up with the idea of the boxes flying. I'd like to hear more about what it's like working with an editor. I've heard that these days, editors don't get that involved, they mostly do marketing.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:19 Susie Q
5:20
Elise: 
Susie My editor was very involved
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:20 Elise
5:21
[Comment From Susie QSusie Q: ] 
I can see that now -- why do people say those things then?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:21 Susie Q
5:21
Elise: 
NAncy my editor had a lot of ideas and we talked quite a bit
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:21 Elise
5:22
lisa von drasek: 
Although more than a few have compared Ms. Rapscott to Mary Poppins, I have found she is not as mean . Was that a specific effort on your part?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:22 lisa von drasek
5:22
Elise: 
I did go back and forth on that
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:22 Elise
5:23
[Comment From JamieJamie: ] 
Also love those labels for the actual book boxes -- wh thought of that?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:23 Jamie
5:23
Elise: 
But in the end I wanted her to be more positive and fun.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:23 Elise
5:23
 lisa von drasek
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:23 
5:23
[Comment From NM LibrarianNM Librarian: ] 
I was reminded of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle as well.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:23 NM Librarian
5:23
[Comment From DeborahDeborah: ] 
What or who were your inspirations for each of the girls?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:23 Deborah
5:23
 Nora - EarlyWord
Ms. Rapscott
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:23 
5:24
lisa von drasek: 
nice!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:24 lisa von drasek
5:24
lisa von drasek: 
Elise, tell me about the parrot?

Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:24 lisa von drasek
5:24
Elise: 
This is Ms. Rapscott with her original side kick
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:24 Elise
5:24
lisa von drasek: 
original?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:24 lisa von drasek
5:25
Elise: 
I gave her a parrot named Hillary after Sir Edmund who climbed Everest
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:25 Elise
5:25
[Comment From DeborahDeborah: ] 
Why did you switch to corgis?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:25 Deborah
5:25
Elise: 
BUt there were a lot of pirate stories floating around and nancy the editor nixed the parrot
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:25 Elise
5:26
[Comment From NJ GalNJ Gal: ] 
The corgis seemed perfect -- so eager and willing.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:26 NJ Gal
5:26
Elise: 
I love corgis - they're so smiley and they look good in turtleneck sweaters
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:26 Elise
5:26
[Comment From NJ GalNJ Gal: ] 
Only an artist would think of which animal would look good in a turtleneck!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:26 NJ Gal
5:27
Elise: 
HA!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:27 Elise
5:27
lisa von drasek: 
Ms. Rapscott has three wishes...
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:27 lisa von drasek
5:27
lisa von drasek: 
Pajamas???????
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:27 lisa von drasek
5:27
 lisa von drasek
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:27 
5:27
Elise: 
I guess it’s a metaphor for a reward after doing something that is really hard to do—like finally reaching the end of the Less Traveled Road. I would imagine that all you’d want by then is a bowl of soup, some birthday cake and a good pair of pajamas!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:27 Elise
5:28
Elise: 
And maybe a glass of wine ; )
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:28 Elise
5:28
Nora - EarlyWord: 
Note that there are parrots on one set of the PJ"s!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:28 Nora - EarlyWord
5:28
lisa von drasek: 
If it was your birthday. What kind of cake would you want?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:28 lisa von drasek
5:28
Elise: 
Do you all like my pjs?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:28 Elise
5:28
lisa von drasek: 
I LOVE your pjs!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:28 lisa von drasek
5:28
Elise: 
Chocolate with lemon icing
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:28 Elise
5:29
Elise: 
I love lemon icing
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:29 Elise
5:29
lisa von drasek: 
hhmm. never had that. do you bake?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:29 lisa von drasek
5:29
lisa von drasek: 
okay trying to focus here...distracted by Birthday cake
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:29 lisa von drasek
5:29
[Comment From NJ GalNJ Gal: ] 
YES! Where can I get those PJ's?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:29 NJ Gal
5:29
Elise: 
No but there's an awesome cup cake store in Red Bank
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:29 Elise
5:29
Elise: 
GArnet Hill!!!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:29 Elise
5:29
lisa von drasek: 
ahhh.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:29 lisa von drasek
5:30
lisa von drasek: 
I found Rapscott girls a great page turner
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:30 lisa von drasek
5:30
lisa von drasek: 
and a great read aloud
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:30 lisa von drasek
5:30
Elise: 
Really happy to hear it!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:30 Elise
5:30
lisa von drasek: 
have you read it aloud?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:30 lisa von drasek
5:30
Elise: 
Yes, there's an audio version that I think is going to be fab.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:30 Elise
5:31
[Comment From DeborahDeborah: ] 
The Road Less Traveled makes me think of Robert Frost's poem, "The Road Not Taken." Was that intended?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:31 Deborah
5:31
Elise: 
I think it was subconcious
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:31 Elise
5:31
Elise: 
Can't spell...
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:31 Elise
5:31
lisa von drasek: 
What were your favorite books when you were young?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:31 lisa von drasek
5:32
Elise: 
I read comic books by the thousands – the Harvey comics: Casper, Little Dot, Richie Rich, Archie etc. Books that I liked were: The Phantom Tollbooth, Wrinkle in Time, the OZ books, Alice in Wonderland, lots of fairy tales when I was very little.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:32 Elise
5:32
Elise: 
The Hobbit and the Fellowship of the Ring books were huge for me when I was about twelve. I loved those books so much – I think it’s part of what made me want to write for children.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:32 Elise
5:33
[Comment From FrannyFranny: ] 
Do you prefer doing picture books, or chapter books?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:33 Franny
5:33
Elise: 
I prefer chapter books
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:33 Elise
5:33
Elise: 
Picture books are a little confining for me
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:33 Elise
5:33
Elise: 
I like a little more room to tell my story
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:33 Elise
5:34
[Comment From DeborahDeborah: ] 
What age of reader were you writing for with this book?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:34 Deborah
5:34
Elise: 
BUt I also love to do my own pictures
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:34 Elise
5:34
Elise: 
About seven to ten or so
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:34 Elise
5:34
[Comment From Julia D.Julia D.: ] 
Tell us more about the audio, please.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:34 Julia D.
5:34
Elise: 
Ok Julia - Kathryn Kellgren is the narrator
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:34 Elise
5:35
Elise: 
She has a wonderful British accent that works really well
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:35 Elise
5:35
Elise: 
We also have some great music that's windy and swirly sounding
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:35 Elise
5:36
Elise: 
I can't wait to hear it!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:36 Elise
5:36
[Comment From FrannyFranny: ] 
I asked about whether you prefer picture books because you seem to really love doing the art. I like how the opening pages of this book are almost like a wordless picture book. Sets you up for the story.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:36 Franny
5:36
[Comment From JulieJulie: ] 
The audio sounds great and I can just imagine it with a British accent.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:36 Julie
5:36
Elise: 
Julie - yes Ms. R. needs to be a Brit!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:36 Elise
5:36
[Comment From DeborahDeborah: ] 
Are there more Rapscott"s Girls Adventures to come?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:36 Deborah
5:36
[Comment From DeborahDeborah: ] 
I can envision this to be a series that readers could enjoy following.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:36 Deborah
5:37
Elise: 
Deb - yes working on book 2 right now!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:37 Elise
5:37
Elise: 
Franny - thanks so much!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:37 Elise
5:37
[Comment From DeborahDeborah: ] 
Yea!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:37 Deborah
5:37
Elise: 
The lesson in BK2 is How to Go Far In LIfe
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:37 Elise
5:38
[Comment From DeborahDeborah: ] 
Will there be more about the Boys School too?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:38 Deborah
5:38
Elise: 
Deb - Yes - BK2 has a lot of that in it!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:38 Elise
5:39
lisa von drasek: 
We were wondering about the fabulous names...
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:39 lisa von drasek
5:39
Elise: 
I rode horses from the time I was seven years old and continued competitively with that well into my early thirties. When I was twenty I took a year off from college to go to England and train at a place in North Devon called Great Rapscott.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:39 Elise
5:39
Elise: 
It was an adventure that I will never forget—one worthy of a true Rapscott girl!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:39 Elise
5:39
Elise: 
The first lesson at Great Rapscott School is: How To Find Your Way. So Ms. Rapscott’s corgis were named, Lewis and Clark, after the famous explorers.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:39 Elise
5:40
Elise: 
The girl’s names were chosen for their old fashioned and sort of darkly whimsical qualities—except for Dahlia who is Known for Being a Late Bloomer and who needed a flowery name.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:40 Elise
5:40
lisa von drasek: 
I just loved when Dhalia Thistle bloomed!!!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:40 lisa von drasek
5:40
Elise: 
Me too - I didn't how I was going to get her to do that until I got to the end
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:40 Elise
5:41
Elise: 
It definitely was not thought out from the beginning
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:41 Elise
5:41
[Comment From DeborahDeborah: ] 
I can't wait to get to know Dhalia better!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:41 Deborah
5:41
lisa von drasek: 
So you don't have the whole book outlined before you write?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:41 lisa von drasek
5:41
Elise: 
She's a LAte Bloomer!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:41 Elise
5:41
lisa von drasek: 
hahaha!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:41 lisa von drasek
5:42
Elise: 
I try to outline - but it never works - I always come up with other things as I go along.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:42 Elise
5:42
lisa von drasek: 
Was there an old fashioned name that you had to give up because it didn't fit?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:42 lisa von drasek
5:42
Elise: 
Yes - Winifred
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:42 Elise
5:42
Elise: 
BUt I'm going to use her in another book HA!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:42 Elise
5:42
lisa von drasek: 
oohhh Love that!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:42 lisa von drasek
5:43
[Comment From DeborahDeborah: ] 
Did you create the color characteristics/meanings or were they adapted from something?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:43 Deborah
5:43
Elise: 
Winifred Peevish
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:43 Elise
5:43
lisa von drasek: 
yes but each girl grows out of their negative characteristics
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:43 lisa von drasek
5:43
Elise: 
Thankfully
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:43 Elise
5:44
lisa von drasek: 
Winifred would have to get married to change!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:44 lisa von drasek
5:44
[Comment From DeborahDeborah: ] 
Ms. Peevish sounds interesting.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:44 Deborah
5:44
[Comment From NJ GalNJ Gal: ] 
Love that about where Lewis and Clark's names came from. It's also a sly wink to kids who will feel smart for recognizing the names.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:44 NJ Gal
5:44
Elise: 
Thanks - but it's for a completely different book.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:44 Elise
5:44
Elise: 
NJ GAl that's true - glad youlike
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:44 Elise
5:44
lisa von drasek: 
okay then
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:44 lisa von drasek
5:45
lisa von drasek: 
I was thinking about the fantasy world that you created...
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:45 lisa von drasek
5:45
Elise: 
Yes?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:45 Elise
5:45
lisa von drasek: 
that although there were scary moments...
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:45 lisa von drasek
5:45
lisa von drasek: 
there was enormous amount of comfort throughout...
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:45 lisa von drasek
5:46
lisa von drasek: 
was that difficult to balance?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:46 lisa von drasek
5:46
Elise: 
You're right about that
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:46 Elise
5:46
Elise: 
NOt really - I love putting characters in scary situations and then giving them a break
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:46 Elise
5:47
Elise: 
I think I live my life that way...
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:47 Elise
5:47
Elise: 
I had an odd combo as a kid of being very sheltered only to be thrown into crazy scary situations
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:47 Elise
5:48
Elise: 
LIke when my parents bought me a two year old off teh track to ride that was barely broken...HA!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:48 Elise
5:48
lisa von drasek: 
a two year old....? that would be a horse not a toddler?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:48 lisa von drasek
5:48
[Comment From Jessica T.Jessica T.: ] 
How do you deal with reviews? Do you read them? Are you worried that there might be push-back from actual parents who recognize themselves in the book?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:48 Jessica T.
5:48
Elise: 
Horse!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:48 Elise
5:49
[Comment From DeborahDeborah: ] 
Are there specific children that inspired your characters?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:49 Deborah
5:49
Elise: 
Jessica - I do read reviews...
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:49 Elise
5:49
Elise: 
I don't think anyone would have a problem because it's tongue in cheek
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:49 Elise
5:50
lisa von drasek: 
As we only have a few minutes left, is there a question you wished I had asked
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:50 lisa von drasek
5:50
Elise: 
DO you want to know about the top of the b'day cake?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:50 Elise
5:50
lisa von drasek: 
YES!!!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:50 lisa von drasek
5:50
[Comment From DeborahDeborah: ] 
Yes!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:50 Deborah
5:50
Elise: 
My editor Nancy and I were talking one day and I said there’s this crazy show on TV, and I hope you won’t think less of me, but I’m a little obsessed with it. The dance teacher does this thing called: The Top of the Pyramid where she picks the best kid each week. Nancy screamed, DANCE MOMS! I LOVE DANCE MOMS! She said you HAVE to put that in the book so I called it the Top of the Birthday Cake.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:50 Elise
5:51
Elise: 
Yes folks...Dance Moms
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:51 Elise
5:51
lisa von drasek: 
oh I definitely think less of you....on the other hand ...I think I have seen every iteration of NCIS
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:51 lisa von drasek
5:52
lisa von drasek: 
Elise- if asked would you do a reality tv show?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:52 lisa von drasek
5:52
Elise: 
That's good! I mean that's good TV, right?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:52 Elise
5:52
lisa von drasek: 
not according to the guy I live with.....
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:52 lisa von drasek
5:52
Elise: 
I think I might!!!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:52 Elise
5:52
[Comment From DeborahDeborah: ] 
Do you do author visits...Skype sessions?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:52 Deborah
5:53
[Comment From DeborahDeborah: ] 
How did you come up with the setting?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:53 Deborah
5:53
Elise: 
Deb I haven't done any but I'm willing to try!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:53 Elise
5:54
lisa von drasek: 
the world of Rapscott is real and not real at the same time. ...
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:54 lisa von drasek
5:54
Elise: 
Yes?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:54 Elise
5:54
lisa von drasek: 
the over the top busy parents AND a place where wishes come true AND where Corgis tend to your needs....
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:54 lisa von drasek
5:55
lisa von drasek: 
what inspired the setting?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:55 lisa von drasek
5:55
Elise: 
Yes this was a bit of a high wire act to pull off
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:55 Elise
5:55
lisa von drasek: 
AND believable!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:55 lisa von drasek
5:55
Elise: 
NAncy was always reeling me in - I had a tendency to go too far with the fantasy
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:55 Elise
5:56
Elise: 
So I was very aware when writing of putting some in but keeping it believable
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:56 Elise
5:56
lisa von drasek: 
what was the craziest thing that you had to revise?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:56 lisa von drasek
5:56
Elise: 
Probably the end
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:56 Elise
5:56
[Comment From Jessica T.Jessica T.: ] 
I've gotta run, but just wanted to say how much I enjoyed this chat and reading the book!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:56 Jessica T.
5:57
lisa von drasek: 
The end?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:57 lisa von drasek
5:57
Elise: 
Thanks J!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:57 Elise
5:57
Elise: 
Yes I had the mountain actually moving -- it was totally nuts
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:57 Elise
5:57
lisa von drasek: 
We are wrapping up here as we have only three minutes left
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:57 lisa von drasek
5:58
Elise: 
I was trying for teh girls can "move mountains" or some such...didn't work!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:58 Elise
5:58
lisa von drasek: 
any last comments from the gallery?
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:58 lisa von drasek
5:59
[Comment From DeborahDeborah: ] 
Thank you for sharing a part of your writer's craft! Love the book!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:59 Deborah
5:59
Elise: 
Thanks so much Deb that means a lot!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:59 Elise
5:59
Nora - EarlyWord: 
Thanks, Lisa and Elise – this was fun! For those of you who want to find out more about Elise and how to contact her, go to Elise's Web site
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:59 Nora - EarlyWord
5:59
[Comment From DeborahDeborah: ] 
I love the interplay between art and story.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 5:59 Deborah
6:00
lisa von drasek: 
Thank you Elise.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 6:00 lisa von drasek
6:00
Nora - EarlyWord: 
And, thanks to all of you for joining us.
Wednesday February 18, 2015 6:00 Nora - EarlyWord
6:00
Elise: 
Thanks so much Lisa - this was super fun!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 6:00 Elise
6:00
Elise: 
Thank you Nora!
Wednesday February 18, 2015 6:00 Elise
6:01
Nora - EarlyWord: 

You two are great!

The next title in our program is Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley, coming in June. Click here to read more about it:

http://penguinyrauthors.earlyword.com/circus-mirandus/

 

 

Wednesday February 18, 2015 6:01 Nora - EarlyWord
 
 

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 18th, 2015 at 4:35 pm and is filed under Childrens and YA, EarlyWord Sponsor. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Comments are closed.