Good morning, writers! (Yawn! Stretch! Crack fingers. Sip tea.)
Let me tell you the reason for my uber-early morn, besides rousting my middle-schooler from her zombie-slumber. Not only do I have a SCBWI event at a “hipster cafe” (according to said middle-schooler), but I’m here to announce another debut by a friend! I’m pleased to share with you an adorable Noah’s ark tale, GOODNIGHT, ARK by Laura Sassi. Once again, a picture book writer makes a breakthrough with a new twist on a familiar theme.
Laura, a lot of time on this blog is spent talking about inspiration and story ideas (because of PiBoIdMo). What’s the genesis of GOODNIGHT, ARK?
First off, I just love your play on words here. The Biblical story of Noah’s ark is indeed found in Genesis! And I’ve always loved the story of Noah and the flood and all those animals packed in the ark two by two. Indeed one of the earliest stories I ever wrote – just for fun as a seven or eight year old – was a funny retelling of Noah and his ark. It has illustrations and everything—including horrendous spelling. My mom saved it. Wasn’t that sweet of her? This new Noah’s ark story, however, has a different genesis—experience! As a fellow Jersey girl, you know we’ve had some mighty fierce storms in the past few years and my kids and dog did not like them. Indeed howling winds and pelting rain sent them tumbling into our bed more than once. However, I thought that a story about ordinary kids piling into an ordinary bed might be boring, so I kept flipping the idea until—Zip! Zing!—it hit me—I could set the tale afloat on Noah’s ark! I knew I wanted my story to rhyme, and so once I had my setting, it was fun to brainstorm which animals might pile in and what might happen when they overloaded poor Noah’s bed.
Such an adorable idea! My kids are always crowding into my bed, and I remember doing it myself as a kid.
Did you have any hesitations about writing in rhyme? You know, because we hear so often not to do it because it’s difficult to do well.
Actually, I did not. Some stories are just meant to rhyme. For GOODNIGHT, ARK, I used the rhymes to create page turn riddles to encourage young readers to guess what will happen when page turns. But writer beware! You better make sure you have a good ear for it because creating good rhyming verse is complicated. You not only need to follow your established meter, you also you need to make sure your rhyme and meter are not driving the story. There is nothing worse than forced rhymes where words are inverted to make the rhyme or meter work, or where the plot has to go in awkward directions in order to rhyme. Stay away from that kind of rhyme!
You’re so right, some stories are meant to rhyme. And it’s good to follow your instincts for a story. I often say that the “gut” is a writer’s best friend. This business is so subjective. You can’t please all the readers all the time, so be true to your vision.
How did you land this debut contract?
The first key to opening that contract door was to find an agent who believed in my writing. The second key was not settling for what I thought at the time was my best effort, but pushing myself to take the manuscript to the next level before subbing it to publishers. The third key was sending GOODNIGHT, ARK to small, but well-thought-through sub list. For several months my agent and I heard nothing, then all of a sudden there was a flurry of interest. The manuscript ended up going to three acquisition meetings and getting two offers! In the end I chose Zonderkidz because I loved their vision for the story which they saw as a perfect piece to bridge both the Christian and broader secular markets. And then I was completely over the moon when, soon after signing the contract, the editor emailed me to say that Jane Chapman had agreed to illustrate it!
WOWZA! You hit kidlit gold there! Every author dreams of getting a top-notch illustrator attached to their project. Did you go thru the roof of the Ark when Jane Chapman said “yes”?
I first encountered Jane Chapman’s work when reading Karma Wilson’ BEAR SNORES ON to my children when they were little. And I LOVED the way she rendered Karma’s little creatures and that big bear with such warmth and sweetness. I couldn’t wait to see how she would depict the frightened tigers, skunks on board the ark in my story. I had no doubt she would do a wonderful job and I was right! Her lovely lantern-lit illustrations are rich and engaging. And here’s a funny tidbit: Shortly after I found out that Jane had signed on to illustrate GOODNIGHT, ARK, I read an interview with Jane Chapman over at Joanne Marple’s blog. At one point Joanna asked Jane if she had any favorite animals that she loved to draw. Jane answered something along the lines that she’s often commissioned to draw bears and mice, but that she’d really love the opportunity to draw some other more unusual animals such as ostriches…or WILD BOAR! (Well, there are wild boar in GOODNIGHT, ARK, so when I saw that I smiled because I knew, or at least hoped, that Jane was just as excited about this project as I was.) GRUNT! SQUEE! (That’s me trying to sound like an excited boar!)
What a cool surprise!
Speaking of such, what’s one of the surprise bonuses of the recent publication of your book?
This is an easy and wonderful answer for me. Special mother/daughter bonding time! I had no idea my nine-year-old would be so excited about the publication of GOODNIGHT, ARK. From theme-based cookies to celebrate the launch, to being my sidekick at book signings, I’ve loved the extra time she and I have spent together doing GOODNIGHT, ARK things. For example, this past Saturday, she accompanied me to a book signing at a lovely independent book store just north of us. She helped the children settle down, then took pictures while I read the story. Afterwards, she helped hand out the craft, and then (and this is my favorite part) completely of her own accord, she gently walked around to each child with the skunk puppet I’d brought along to help me read the story, and asked each child if they’d like a chance to pet the skunk. The children LOVED that! And so did I! In a couple of weeks my fourteeen-year-old will be accompanying me on a road trip down to Lexington, VA to do double book signings. I hope that will also be a special mother/son bonding trip. (With skunk in tow, of course.)
Awesome. I love how your kids are involved. My middle-schooler says “yeah, yeah, Mom” when I get excited about a manuscript. Then she asks for a grilled cheese, stares at it while I read, and then exclaims, “Mommy, that story is too cheesy, just like this sandwich.” Why do I bother to wake her?
Thanks so much for sharing your story with us, Laura! And I understand your publisher will be sharing the book with us!
Comment below once for a chance to enter the GOODNIGHT, ARK giveaway. You must have a US address (and not a PO Box). You have until September 28th to enter!
Laura Sassi has a passion for telling humorous stories in rhyme. She writes daily from her century-old home in New Jersey where she lives with her husband, two children, and a black Cockapoo named Sophie. Her poems, stories, articles, and crafts have appeared in Highlights for Children, Cricket, Ladybug, Spider and Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. and elsewhere. GOODNIGHT, ARK is her first picture book. Visit her at LauraSassiTales.wordpress.com.
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September 18, 2014 at 8:00 am
GOODNIGHT, ARK Blog Tour: Stop NINE | Laura Sassi Tales
[…] I have just had the best time being interviewed by the delightful picture book author and kid lit blogger, Tara Lazar. We chatted about skunk, wild boars, writing and more. Please stop by. It’s easy. Just click here! […]
September 18, 2014 at 8:06 am
Penny Parker Klostermann
Loved hearing more about your journey with ARK! And I thought you’re wild boar imitation was spot on!
Awesome interview, Tara and Laura 🙂
September 18, 2014 at 8:08 am
izatrapani1
Another great interview. Love the word play, ladies!
September 18, 2014 at 8:09 am
Jody Jensen Shaffer
Congratulations, Laura!! I remember reading a very early version of this manuscript. I knew you had a winner!
September 18, 2014 at 8:14 am
aliciaminor
Another inspiring story to keep us writing and another great contribution to children’s literature. Congrats! Way to go!
September 18, 2014 at 8:15 am
Laura Sassi
Thanks, ladies. Jody, you did indeed read a very, very early version of this and probably some others along the way as well! Thanks for having me, Tara!
September 18, 2014 at 8:15 am
Jacqueline
Great advice about pushing yourself to take the manuscript to the next level instead of settling. I’m looking forward to reading this story. Congratulations!
September 18, 2014 at 8:17 am
Carrie Charley Brown
It is so cool to learn how others structure their work, and your idea is fabulous, Laura. It encourages amazing prediction and language skills with each page turn. I can’t wait to read it!
September 19, 2014 at 1:47 pm
Laura Sassi
Thanks, Carrie. I’m in the process of creating lessons and extension activities for the book. Something involvingredicting/ cause and effect would make a great addition to my list.
September 18, 2014 at 8:17 am
Shanda McCloskey
Totally looking forward to reading this! Over the moon concept!
September 18, 2014 at 8:20 am
Janet Smart
Enjoyed the interview. Congratulations, Laura! Would love to win the book.
September 18, 2014 at 8:23 am
rnewman504
Great interview, superb writing advice, and mucho success, Laura!
September 18, 2014 at 8:23 am
Andria
Congratulations, Laura! Thanks for giving us a peek into your journey 🙂
September 18, 2014 at 8:27 am
danielle hammelef
Thanks for sharing! Your book is beautifully illustrated. I love the story of Noah’s ark. Congrats on finding the right publisher for your book. I can’t wait to read it.
September 18, 2014 at 8:30 am
Renee LaTulippe (@ReneeMLaTulippe)
Many, many congrats and good wishes for your first book, Laura — the first of many, I am sure. (And JACKPOT on Jane Chapman too.) Loved learning about your story!
September 18, 2014 at 8:50 am
darlenebeckjacobson
Great interview for what looks to be a great take on Noah’s Ark. Can’t wait to read. Congratulations Laura!
September 18, 2014 at 9:05 am
Brenda Huante
This story promises a lot of fun. I can’t wait to read it. Congratulations!
September 18, 2014 at 9:07 am
rgstones
Thanks for sharing your story. I’m so excited to read this!
September 18, 2014 at 9:36 am
Pat Miller
Laura, how thoughtful your daughter is! Sounds like she’s an excellent traveling companion / handler. 🙂 Congratulations and much success!
September 19, 2014 at 1:48 pm
Laura Sassi
She is a great girl, that’s for sure and quite an illustrator and artist. Both my kids have been great, really, in the helping out in the “let’s celebrate” category.
September 18, 2014 at 9:41 am
Natasha
Congratulations, Laura- and getting to work with Jane Chapman- through the roof of the ark and over the moon awesome! Can’t wait to read your rhyming story.
September 18, 2014 at 9:47 am
Maria Gianferrari
What a fun book! Congratulations and happy book birthday, Laura. Looking forward to reading it!
September 18, 2014 at 9:53 am
creationsbymit
This book is popping up everywhere! Congrats, Laura, on it’s well deserved success!! Such a cute concept & Jane seems to be the perfect fit!! Can’t wait to add it to my library! I love how your daughter has played such a strong role in making your book signings & launch party extra special for the kids!
September 18, 2014 at 9:55 am
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Love all the stops on your blog tour Laura. Fabulous!
September 19, 2014 at 1:51 pm
Laura Sassi
Thanks, Cathy, for joining me along the way.
September 18, 2014 at 10:04 am
Sylvia Grech
Congrats Laura! Very inspiring for us “new authors”.
September 18, 2014 at 10:08 am
Kelly Vavala
Congrats Laura! I love hearing your story as it is such an inspiration to us all! The fact that you include your daughter in your ventures is so wonderful and especially that she WANTS to be included! Our children are our “cheer-leaders” and they are usually the ones we “practice” on to see if it’s a winner. I wish you the best in all of your ventures!
September 18, 2014 at 10:17 am
kristivaliant
Congrats! What an adorable idea for a picture book and Jane Chapman seems like the perfect illustrator for this one (although I would have loved to do it – it’s such a fabulous story). Can’t wait to see it in person.
September 18, 2014 at 10:26 am
Lori Alexander
Congrats, Laura! Love your twist on the classic Ark story. Jane’s illustrations are beautiful! I hope my kiddos are as helpful during book signings as yours have been 🙂
September 18, 2014 at 10:42 am
Ashley Bankhead
Love this interview. Thanks for sharing. I need to get this book!
September 18, 2014 at 10:45 am
Laura Sassi
Such a lovely stream of comments. Jane Chapman really did a fantastic job on each and every spread. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the journey into publication and have loved, most especially, interacting with readers at signings and through these stops. Happy reading (and writing and illustrating) all!
September 18, 2014 at 11:02 am
Shirley Menendez
Congratulations Laura. Thanks for sharing your journey to publication. Can’t wait to read your book.
September 18, 2014 at 11:12 am
Joanna
Congratulations to you and Jane on what looks utterly GORGEOUS and FUN!
September 18, 2014 at 11:18 am
Wendy Greenley
Hearing another debut writer’s journey is always inspiring! Thanks for sharing it with us.
September 18, 2014 at 11:22 am
Carleen Tjader
Thanks for another great interview! Sounds like a” must have” book.
September 18, 2014 at 11:31 am
Janny J Johnson
What a delightful concept for a Noah’s Ark story!
September 18, 2014 at 11:33 am
Anita Banks
Wonderful story!! Congratulations!
September 18, 2014 at 11:39 am
Rosi Hollinbeck
This is a terrific interview. I am really looking forward to reading this book. I also love the artwork. What a treat for the eyes. Thanks for the interview and a chance to win.
September 18, 2014 at 11:46 am
Rita Allmon
Fun interview! I “knowa” this book is going to make a big splash of excitement… wetting everyone’s appetite to ask for more!
September 19, 2014 at 1:52 pm
Laura Sassi
Now wouldn’t that be neat! I like splashes. =)
September 18, 2014 at 11:46 am
Lori Dubbin
I enjoyed hearing about the ‘genesis’ of GOODNIGHT, ARK. It also sounds like you will have ‘numbers’ of picture books in your future! It’s lovely how your kids are helping you on your book tour. Love the cover and love Jane Chapman’s animal drawings. (Love Cockapoos, too!)
September 18, 2014 at 12:03 pm
Maryanne (mfantaliswrites)
So excited for you, Laura! Your book looks delightful and I know you will be successful! Congratulations and best of luck with your debut! (OK, is that enough exclamation points?) 🙂
September 18, 2014 at 12:53 pm
Carol Jones
I loved this – especially Laura’s comments on writing in verse. I write some of my stories in verse too, and I work and work (but I enjoy it) to get the rhythm right and to get everything to flow naturally. Seeing a picture book written in verse that is absolutely perfect is a beautiful thing, but when I read one that is done poorly it makes me CRAZY! I can’t wait to read GOODNIGHT ARK.
September 18, 2014 at 1:01 pm
Shari Schwarz
I can’t wait to read this! I’m a huge fan of Jane Chapman. Congratulations!
September 18, 2014 at 1:23 pm
Anne Bromley
I’m ordering this book for my library right after this comment! I am very happy for you, Laura, and wish you the very best during the launch. Sounds like you’re getting great support from your daughters! How fun for them!
September 18, 2014 at 1:30 pm
Mary Warth
Thanks for the interview and congratulations Laura! The story sounds wonderful.
September 18, 2014 at 1:33 pm
Michelle O'Hara Levin
Thank you for sharing this story with us – both the story “Goodnight, Ark” and your story about creating it. So nice to hear both. Congratulations. I cannot wait to read it.
September 18, 2014 at 1:45 pm
Laura Sassi
Thanks, everybody for joining the launch celebration. It’s fun to see some longtime writing friends here, as well as some fellow rhymers. Writing is a slow but very rewarding process, don’t you agree? Hooray for writers!
September 18, 2014 at 2:19 pm
Donna Gwinnell Lambo-Weidner
love, Love, LOVE! I’m putting GOODNIGHT ARK on my list of books to gift at Baby Showers, etc….
September 18, 2014 at 2:30 pm
Christine M. Irvin
GOODNIGHT ARK sounds like a wonderful book!!
September 18, 2014 at 3:48 pm
figment68
I love your interviews Tara! Congratulations, Laura! =)
September 18, 2014 at 3:57 pm
Charla
I love rhyming books. I can’t wait to read Goodnight Ark and share it with my little one.
September 18, 2014 at 4:35 pm
katmaz2012
Thank you for your beautiful book and inspiration for prepublished authors. Best wishes.
September 18, 2014 at 5:06 pm
Rebecca
This book sounds too adorable to resist!
September 18, 2014 at 5:29 pm
Patricia Toht
What a wonderful journey for you and Goodnight Ark, Laura! I love Jane Chapman’s illustrations — what a perfect pairing.
September 18, 2014 at 5:48 pm
Dorothy Wiese
Congratulations, Laura! You story and Jane’s illustrations should be a big success. I can’t wait to read it.
September 18, 2014 at 6:06 pm
janelle
Congrats!!
September 18, 2014 at 6:41 pm
Joanne Fritz
What a delightful concept! And the book sounds sweet. Congratulations, Laura, and thanks, Tara, for the great interview.
September 18, 2014 at 8:35 pm
Kristi Veitenheimer
Congratulations! The book sounds absolutely adorable; I can’t wait to read it!
September 18, 2014 at 9:19 pm
martymi6
Great interview; fun idea; terrific sounding book. How wonderful to have your children involved in the presentations with you. Enjoy all your success!
September 18, 2014 at 11:21 pm
amymariesmithAmy
Another wonderful interview. Congratulations Laura! I’m really looking forward to reading Goodnight, Ark and already have a few kiddos in mind I think it’ll be perfect for. Enjoy all of your success and enjoy Lexington – I went to law school there and it’s a great little town.
September 19, 2014 at 1:53 pm
Laura Sassi
Thanks, Amy. I have family in Lexington so it will be a fun weekend on many levels.
September 18, 2014 at 11:28 pm
amymariesmith
Another wonderful interview. Congratulations Laura! I can’t wait to read Goodnight, Ark. Enjoy all of your success and your visit to Lexington. I went to law school there – it’s a great little town.
September 18, 2014 at 11:42 pm
kathydoherty1
Such an inspiring post. Yay for perseverance!
September 19, 2014 at 8:26 am
Lindsay Bonilla
I love that you took a familiar story and made it fun and new!! This sounds like a wonderful book that I look forward to sharing with my son! 🙂
September 19, 2014 at 8:41 am
Diana Delosh
Congratz! Your book sounds & looks adorable. Love that you used some unusual animals in your story.
September 19, 2014 at 12:39 pm
Sydney O'Neill
Congratulations on your debut. Laura! I wouldn’t be able to walk by those illustrations without picking up the book. Looking forward to reading it.
September 19, 2014 at 1:28 pm
Joanne Sher
This looks darling! Great interview (AGAIN!) – would love this book. 🙂
September 19, 2014 at 1:54 pm
Laura Sassi
Wow! I love the warm friendly waters over here. =)
September 19, 2014 at 2:22 pm
deborahholtwilliams
Congratulations, Laura! I love it when authors break the “rules”–such as “rhyme doesn’t sell.” I love to write in rhyme, and your success encourages me that it can be done! Great interview, Tara.
September 20, 2014 at 9:26 am
Sheri Rad
I would love to read this updated version to my grand daughters. The traditional version seems to much for them and this cute version if an old story is just what they would love. But how did you know to keep working on it after you had it like you wanted it? What triggers you to revise one more time? Thanks for your insight. I think this version might even be appropriate to read in school classrooms.
.
September 20, 2014 at 9:56 am
Laura Sassi
What a great question, Sheri. I think allowing myself some space (i.e. time) after I finish each draft helps me to assess whether I’m really happy with the version I’ve just written. Sometimes, I think, wow, this is it, the final version. But when I take a re-look with fresh eyes, I see trouble spots, or spots that I could punch up. I also have great critique partners who push me to keep writing to the next level. My agent also has a keen eye. Anyone else want to chime in?
September 20, 2014 at 9:30 am
winemama
Congrats, would love to win this book!
September 20, 2014 at 10:03 am
Sheri Rad
Thanks Laura.
September 20, 2014 at 11:37 am
Sue Heavenrich
This sounds like such a fun goodnight story – sometimes I wondered where my kid would fit into his bed at night because of the stuffed zoo he lived with. Thanks for sharing your insights and thoughts, Laura.
September 20, 2014 at 10:02 pm
Diana Murray
Wonderful interview! And Laura, it’s great how you use the rhymes to encourage the reader to guess what happens next! My daughter loved that.
September 21, 2014 at 4:02 pm
MaryAnne Locher
This is a great interview, Tara. Goodnight, Ark looks like a beautiful book.
September 21, 2014 at 7:48 pm
readingwithrhythm
This is a great interview!!! Thanks!
September 23, 2014 at 8:14 pm
writersideup
Oh, man, I missed about half of Laura’s tour! This stuff is great 🙂
September 24, 2014 at 6:32 am
GOODNIGHT, ARK: We’re Going on Tour! | Laura Sassi Tales
[…] 9/18 Tara Lazar’s Writing While Raising Kids […]
September 24, 2014 at 5:33 pm
Heather S
I love this! And I la la LOVE to win 🙂
September 25, 2014 at 8:28 pm
Nancy Furstinger
How exciting–looking forward to reading your first book, and it’s marvelous that both of your kids are involved in the publicity angle!
September 26, 2014 at 9:14 am
Denise Taylor-Dennis
I would love to have this book to read to my son. Thank you for the chance.
September 27, 2014 at 10:36 am
joanwatsonmartin
My favorite illustration is the piled up animals and I wonder what they are complaining about.
September 27, 2014 at 2:10 pm
Ali
That was the best interview I have read. Laura I could feel your pride in your children and excitement over your new baby ” GOODNIGHT ARK.” Congratulations on getting your story published and for Jane Chapman illustrating it! My prayers are that I will be so lucky with my manuscripts. I can’t wait to get “GOODNIGHT ARK” and read it to my grandsons. If you do any book signings in Bucks County, PA please let me know where and when. Much Good Luck to you!
September 27, 2014 at 9:40 pm
Cecilia Clark
congratulations Laura. I enjoy reading about other writers journeys.
September 29, 2014 at 1:36 pm
Lauri Meyers
Congrats Laura. I really enjoyed hearing about the initial inspiration and how the story evolved to be the best it could be.
October 27, 2014 at 12:26 pm
Sandi Lawson
Sounds like a wonderful story. I look forward to reading it!
December 1, 2014 at 11:16 pm
Gloria Amescua
Love knowing how you got your idea and how you followed your gut in rhyming it.
December 3, 2014 at 10:09 am
aliciaminor
Biblical stories always find a place in picture books and you found a great one. We clamor for more and will be reading Goodnight, Ark. Congrats!