Over the years (lots and lots and LOTS of years), Chris Crowe has helped to bring many children and young adult writers to Brigham Young University to read from their work.
Tomorrow is no exception (Friday, October 1, 2010). Gary Schmidt will read from his work in the Harold B. Lee library at noon. Schmidt’s won Newbery Honor twice, once for LIZZIE BRIGHT AND THE BUCKMINSTER BOY and the following year (I think) for WEDNESDAY WARS. You can get your books signed right after the reading, too. He is the author of more than thirty books.
When I was getting my degree from Vermont College, I had to give a 45-minute lecture. I spoke about writing with emotion and I used Schmidt’s novel LIZZIE BRIGHT to show examples of putting emotion on the page without telling the reader what the main character is feeling.
Have you read the novel? If not, do. Check out how Schmidt controls the writing so the reader understands exactly how Turner Buckminster feels in frightening or hilarious or terribly sad situations.
Now, look over what you’ve written. What have you learned from Schmidt? Instead of “He was scared” how can you imitate the showdon’ttell writing you see in LIZZIE BRIGHT AND THE BUCKMINSTER BOY?
Getting to listen to published authors read is great fun, too. So if you have even a bit of a free moment tomorrow, come on down to Brigham Young University to hear Gary Schmidt.
Throwing Up Words 
I’m going to be there and I’m excited about his visit!
I’ll be there tomorrow too. I’m taking the class for the English Reading Series.
I’m so there. I LOVED the Wednesday Wars and recommended it to my Mother-in-law, who recommended it to her book group, who recommended it to countless others. So basically I figure Gary Schmidt owes me.
I heart Gary Schmidt and LIZZIE BRIGHT AND THE BUCKMINSTER BOY is one of my all time favorite books! Oh, how I wish I lived in Utah!
Enjoy his reading.
Thanks for the reminder to re-read this book!
Gary Schmidt visited Chris Crowe’s creative writing class today, and he was such a delight to talk to! I was impressed by his versatility in the realm of literature: he teaches children’s literature (and collects vintage children’s books), he writes young adult literature, he studies medieval literature, and he takes a group of students on 19th-century-American-literature tours in New England each January. I do not do him justice in saying that he has great insights into writing.
In fact, I want to be him when I grow up. And I’m not ashamed of it.