That’s why it means a lot to me to introduce Gae Polisner and to say I’m proud to have written a blurb for her debut YA novel, The Pull of Gravity. Not only do I have a special connection with Gae personally (as you will soon discover) but as soon as I read The Pull of Gravity I knew it was my kind of book. There’s teenage angst, but there’s also plot. There are quirky characters, but they feel completely real. There’s Star Wars and Steinbeck, and… well, it’s a really great story so you should buy it and read it for yourself. You won’t regret it. :-}

I’m so pleased to be able to play a small role in introducing both this book and its talented writer to the world. So without further ado, meet Gae Polisner!

1) So Gae, tell us a little bit about The Pull of Gravity.

Can I first tell your readers how we “met?” That before I ever wrote YA fiction, I read it nightly aloud to my two kids. And we went crazy for The Liberation of Gabriel King and so I posted a review on Amazon and gushed to you about it? That was a lot of years ago, and now here I am answering questions for your blog about my writing, and yet I’m still a little star struck over you. I think you’re utterly amazing, and, what was the question again?

(You are too kind! And this is one of my favorite stories. I wrote a blog a couple weeks ago called Paying it Forward On-line, and this is the perfect story to illustrate my point. Out of all the people who have read Liberation, you were one of the few who took the time to write an Amazon review and the review was so warm and wonderful, and it touched me so much I e-mailed you to say thank you, and we’ve kept in touch ever since!)

Oh yeah, The Pull of Gravity is about two teens, Nick and Jaycee, who, armed only with the wisdom of Yoda and a rare, first-edition copy of Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men set out on a whirlwind, secret journey to keep a promise to their dying friend. It’s a character-driven story about first love, friendship and the true nature of family.

2) What did you learn while writing this book?

I learned that I can actually plot. That I can tell a story that builds upon itself, has unexpected twists and turns, that surprises people, and makes (most of them) want to keep reading.

3) Did you like the cover and overall book design?

I do. My cover is a long shaggy story. If you asked me what I originally wanted, I would have told you something iconic, NOT with a portrayal of the characters, because I tend not to like covers that show you as a reader what the characters should look like.

(I totally agree!)

Then, they gave me an iconic cover on my ARC, and I wept. Truly wept. But not in a good way. It was just so bland and unmemorable and felt like it said nothing about my book. I begged for another and they gave me something I LOVED (now I wept in the good way) and then they decided it wasn’t right and took it away again. Then this third cover came. It had a portrayal of the characters on it. But I still loved it anyway. Loved it enough. If the “Nick” character on it isn’t exactly right (to me), the Jaycee character is. And more importantly, it just sets the right mood. It feels angsty and poignant and “of a moment” that is about to waffle and change. And it looks like a movie poster. So, yeah.

The Pull of Gravity

4) What has your post publication journey been like?

Harder than I thought, but also hugely exciting and rewarding. As anyone in the business knows, the book world is going through drastic changes. It’s a hard time for bookstores and publishers and agents right now, and, unless you’re one of their big titles, the publishers aren’t doing much for us anymore as far as marketing goes. So I’ve spent a ton of time trying to get the word of my little book out there. More time and effort and money of my own than I could have imagined. And, I’m still working to secure my next deal.

But there have been some amazing moments. Doing readings with other authors I’ve respected and admired is nothing short of surreal. I mean, I sat on a panel moderated by David Levithan (!!!) a few weeks ago, and read with some established and up-and-coming authors whose writing just blows me away. And getting notes from teens or bloggers or librarians who have read the book and connected with it is a pure, unadulterated thrill, especially teenage boys who say they normally don’t like to read. Yep, that stuff is really, really good. Oh, and a high school in Michigan has actually adopted my book into the curriculum to teach along with Of Mice and Men this fall. I’ll be taught with Steinbeck. I mean, come on! That is a really cool thing.

5) Tell us about a few of your favorite things — aside from writing.

Well, of course there are my kids. I have two great boys, and my younger one is a sports nut, so I spend a ton of time watching him play basketball or baseball, both on travel teams. When I’m not doing that, or writing or working my paid job (as a divorce mediator), I’m swimming. From May – October, I swim with an open water group, pretty much daily, in the Long Island Sound. It’s utter bliss for me. In the off season, I’m relegated to a pool. But, that’s okay. I need the water. I thrive in it. It’s where my stories come.

6) What are you working on now?

I’m working on revisions for what will hopefully be my next book, tentatively titled Frankie Sky. I just signed with a new agent, and he’s excited about it, and I’m excited about him, so we’ll see what happens there. I also have a few other manuscripts – some YA, some women’s fiction – that I’d really like to get back to.

7) What kind of writing advice do you offer those aspiring to be published?

If you want it, don’t quit trying. And don’t stop absorbing constructive criticism to use to hone your craft. Put yourself out there over and over again. And don’t forget that writing is subjective, so there’s some luck (or alchemy) involved. You need to get your writing to the right reader (agent or editor), the one that connects with your voice and your story. The more you put yourself out there, the more the luck has a chance to find you.

8) How can people find out more about you and your books?

They can go to my website www.gaepolisner.com or www.thepullofgravity.com. There are links to my blogs there (I maintain both a YA blog, That Wee Bit Heap, and a general (not always YA-appropriate) blog, Trying to Stay Afloat in a Sea of Words, which you can get to through my women’s fiction page. There’s also a link to a kickass Teachers Guide for The Pull of Gravity there (linked via my YA page). Or they can follow me at twitter under gaepol or “like” my facebook author page, here: https://www.facebook.com/gaepolisnerauthor.

Join the Author Clara Gillow Clark and the Wayne County Arts Alliance for
the first in a series of dynamic writing workshops. Learn about key
elements of writing great scenes and creating memorable characters.

Date: February 28, 2009 (inclement weather date March 7, 2009)

Time: 1:00-3:30pm

Place: Wayne County Community Center (next to the Wayne County Chamber of
Commerce in Honesdale)

Donation: $30.00 for WCAA members, $45.00 for non-members.

Part One:

What makes a great character? Through lecture, discussion and example, the
author will show how to create great characters. Participants will create
two characters sketches for sharing and discussion.

Part Two:

What is a scene? How does it work? What isn’t a scene, and why? In a hands
on workshop, Author Clara Gillow Clark will show the magic of creating a
good scene. Scenes from literature will be used as examples. Participants
will write a scene fro sharing and discussion.

Clara Gillow Clark has agreed to edit up to 10 pages of a current work for a
special workshop rate of only $30.00. Please bring your submission to the
workshop, along with a synopsis for chapter books. Manuscripts should be
double-spaced and in 12 point type and include a stamped, self addressed
envelope big enough for the manuscripts return.

Book early. Workshop space is limited and bound to fill up fast!

If you have any questions, you can contact Jeanne Arnold at jeanne@nep.net or call WCAA at 570-253-6850.

Second, for anyone who didn’t see it, this interview with me came out in Publisher’s Weekly’s Bookshelf:  http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6636887.html?nid=2788

Hope you’ll check it out!

There is so much in this story that is absolutely fascinating and appalling all at once. First, there is the fact that this is not by any means the first memoir to have been faked and then outed. We all heard about the Oprah to-do with James Frey’s book. And there was at least one other high profile case after that one… It leads me to wonder what in the world is happening in our society that this has become a trend. What does it say about us? Is the driving force greed because memoirs sell better than fiction, or is there something deeper? Some sort of national self-esteem problem? Total greed? Have memoirs in other countries been turning out to be fakes or is this unique to the United States?

Then there’s the racial dynamics which are so appalling I can barely stand to write this. The fact that a white woman would claim connections to both Native American heritage and a uniquely black family experience seems like a horrible exploitation of two groups of people that whites have traditionally oppressed. The fact that she stood to make a lot of money off of this makes it even worse. She claims to have done it out of altruism, to give voice to people who could not articulate for themselves, but that’s just downright insulting. Does she know how many talented authors there are of every race and every level of wealth who fight for the very limited spots on a publisher’s list? Obviously not. Instead, she employed a horrible racist world view that allowed her to assume not a single person from the environment she writes about would be smart and articulate enough to write their own story, therefore she would have to do it for them. As a favor. I wonder how many of them are thanking her.

Someone please buy that woman any of the many books written by people who have overcome great adversity to share their stories in prose that is uniquely their own.

Lastly, there is a sensational element to this story that makes you absolutely want to know more about what was happening behind the scenes. The fact that her own sister turned her in conjures up images of family drama that probably would be worthy of a memoir. In fact, it’s so fascinating I think I will write a book about it. And then maybe I will say that it is my story, not hers. I will be doing her a favor because now that she’s discredited she won’t be able to write her own memoir. I’ll tell everything from my point of view and I’m sure she’ll be very grateful.

I wish I truly knew what was going on in this woman’s mind. I feel so terrible for her editor who is also getting trashed in the media, but having worked with an editor myself, I can’t say I think this is fair. It’s such a personal relationship, and the editor would have had no reason to assume that this woman was lying. As far as I know, my editor has never done an identity check on me, just to be sure I am who I say I am. We all make certain assumptions when dealing with others, and one of the most basic ones is that they’re telling us the truth. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately for the state of memoirs in this country, editors probably won’t make these assumptions much longer.

Children’s appetites can change from day to day. These changes are usually nothing to worry about.

Sometimes your child might want to eat a lot. That’s fine. Just make sure that you fill up your child with healthy food.

Other times your child might not want to eat as much. That’s OK too. If your child doesn’t want to eat, they’ll probably make up for it at the next meal or even the next day. It’s best not to force things or offer other foods as rewards, because this teaches children not to listen to their appetites. Learn more from this alpine ice hack.

As a parent you give your child healthy food and opportunities to eat it. It’s up to your child to decide how much to eat – or whether to eat at all. If your child is growing and developing well, they’re probably getting enough to eat.

The most powerful way to send healthy food messages to your children is by letting them see you make healthy eating choices every day. Children tend to do what they see you doing.

‘Tummy talk’ and healthy eating

Understanding the way your child’s tummy ‘talks’ to their brain can help you deal with worries about your child undereating or overeating.

For example, your child’s brain realises their tummy is full only about 20 minutes after the food hits their tummy. Also, your child’s hunger is partly determined by how physically active they’ve been and whether they need to ‘catch up’ if they haven’t eaten a lot over the last couple of days.

Offering meals and snacks at regular times encourages a better appetite at mealtimes. Regular meals and snacks can be part of a healthy eating routine. Check these alpilean reviews.

Overeating

If you’re concerned that your child has a tendency to overeat, here are some things to try:

• Offer a slightly smaller portion of food. If your child finishes it, you can offer a small second helping. This gives your child’s brain and tummy a chance to catch up.
• If your child doesn’t eat part of the meal – for example, the vegies – this is your child’s choice. It isn’t a good idea to offer extra serves of other food – for example, meat – to make up for missing vegies.
• Serve your child’s food on a smaller plate. This way your child gets the right-sized portion but still gets a ‘full plate’ of food.
• Avoid distractions like TV or toys during mealtimes. This will help your child focus on their appetite.

Undereating

If you feel your child doesn’t eat enough at mealtimes or doesn’t have an appetite, you could try the following strategies:

• Offer food around the same times each day. If children eat at regular mealtimes, they’re more likely to be hungry at that time of day.
• Encourage your child to eat more at mealtimes by making sure you serve small amounts at snack times. One small snack between regular mealtimes is usually plenty as an energy top-up, unless your child has been very active. If your child has too many snacks or the snacks are too big, your child can feel too full before a main meal.
• Avoid offering your child an alternative if they don’t eat a meal. Your child might just have a small appetite at the moment. Read more about alpilean.

If you’re worried about your child’s growth or eating habits, make an appointment to see a GP, paediatrician or dietitian.

Healthy eating and food messages for your child

Healthy eating habits start at home.

Giving your child healthy nutritious foods is important for their growth and development. It also helps to surround your child with messages about healthy eating habits and food. This can help your child make healthy food choices.

Here are some ideas:

• Try to have a bowl full of fresh fruit within easy view and reach on the kitchen table or bench. You can offer fruit as a snack or if your child is still hungry after meals.
• Stock your pantry and fridge with plenty of healthy, nutritious options, and leave the sometimes food on the supermarket shelves.
• Try to choose fruit and vegetables of different colours, textures and tastes. The more variety there is, the more likely it is your child will find something that they’re interested in eating.
• Get your child involved in planning and preparing meals. If your child has helped to make the meal, they’re more likely to eat it. Check out these male enhancement pills.
• Enjoy healthy meals together as a family as often as possible. Also look for opportunities to eat together at breakfast and on weekends.
• Turn the TV off while eating. This way your child is paying attention to eating and the fresh healthy food choices you offer.
• Read books that have healthy food messages for your child – for example, books with pictures of fruits and vegetables. Get your child to point out different types, colours, shapes and so on.

Weight loss Supplements for obese teens should be approached with care and under the guidance of healthcare professionals, such as a pediatrician or a registered dietitian. Here are some general recommendations that can help obese teens adopt healthier habits:

My sister and I grew up reading Lloyd Alexander’s books. When we were young my family read them out loud and loved them. When my sister’s first two children were old enough, she was excited to share the experience with them, so together they read his books out loud, too.

Now, my sister is very different from me in terms of personality. Whenever we go see a play, April waits outside the door and asks for autographs. Sometimes, to my mortification, she even goes inside the doors and asks if the celebrities will come out. I could tell you many such stories… So when April, Jen, and Chris finished reading Lloyd Alexander’s books, she decided she wanted to call him and have the kids tell him in person how much they liked them. She found his number on-line, picked up the phone, and… called him.

I couldn’t believe she’d done that! But Lloyd said he was thrilled that they’d called. This was pre-Harry Potter and his books had reached a quieter place where he seldom heard from children anymore. It turned out that he and his wife lived right near where I was going to college, and since this fact came up in conversation, he invited April, the kids, and me, to come over and visit.

We went to his house one afternoon and he welcomed us in, and showed us all around, including the many pieces of art related to his stories. He talked to me about writing since I was then a starry eyed dreamer, and gave each of us signed books.

To this day, it amazes me that he was so open, generous, and kind. He made us feel so good, as if somehow we were the ones doing him a favor by appreciating his books, while the whole time it was his wonderful stories that have brought  pleasure to generations of my family.

What a beautiful man, what a life well lived, and what an example to live up to! He will be missed. If you haven’t read his books, treat yourself to some wonderful stories.

This has sparked a NY Times article and has caused people to pull the book from their schools and libraries. What??? The NY Times finds it worth an Op Ed piece because the word scrotum is used in a book for kids in third through sixth grade?

I think this is very indicative of how warped our country is in its attidude to sex. We use sex to sell every conceivable product from hamburgers to college loans — we print pants with the words “Sexy” across the butt and market them to six year olds, we show people of every age, race, and gender making out on the top of a car because their toothpaste is so fabulous… and yet, when it comes to anything that might present the ACTUAL human body in a realistic light, we run for the hills. Heaven forbid our children might find out the names for our body parts.

I can’t even begin to express how disappointed this makes me in the good old USA. Let’s saturate our kids with violence. Show them 10,000 murders by the time they reach adolescensce. Taunt them with Barbie dolls with breast sizes they will never achieve without plastic surgery. Dress them up in all the latest manifestations of materialism. But ban the book that wins an award for the zenith of literary achievement because it uses an actual name for a body part. A body part that 50% of the book’s readers have.

Shame on us.