Kwame Alexander, winner of the 2015 Newbery Award for Crossover, charmed and inspired everyone at the Children’s Book Guild Luncheon in February. Alison Morris, kid lit expert, captured many of his best moments during the interview led by children’s book author and book reviewer Mary Quattlebaum. Follow @AlisonLMorris and of course @kwamealexander for much more.
On Writing The Crossover
#TheCrossover was rejected by more than 20 editors before it was bought by Margaret Raymo at @HMHKids.
“I went online and I Googled ‘novel in verse coach.’ Literally.” -@kwamealexander on writing #TheCrossover
The entire process from concept to selling of #TheCrossover took 5 years.
“I have no idea how that book happened. I was writing in a trance.” -@kwamealexander on #TheCrossover
Writing becomes bliss when you become familiar and familial with the characters. -@kwamealexander
On Having Doubts
As @kwamealexander waited for a possible awards call he reread #TheCrossover and decided it was terrible.
“You think about how a year & a half ago you were wondering how you were going to care for your family as a writer.” -@kwamealexander #award
On Being a Dad
“I can’t write at home because I have to dress up as a princess.” -@kwamealexander, author and father
On Race
@kwamealexander: “We need to begin to think about literature & language in a way that defines the world we want…”
We cannot be defined by labels. A good book is a good book.”
Thanks to Kwame and Mary, and to Alison for documenting. So inspiring!