Author: Loree Burns

Publishing Week has officially turned into Publishing Month. There are still a few Stories Behind the Story left to come …

Today’s stars: Eric and Liza, my writing partners.

Eric and Liza are the first to read almost everything I write, and I trust their judgment implicitly. They have been part of the TRACKING TRASH journey from the very beginning … they critiqued proposal drafts, chapter drafts, saw me through contract negotiations, deadlines, mishaps, revisions, road blocks, cover issues, reviews, and, well, EVERYTHING. They are my writing pals, my peeps, and I am grateful for them every single day.

How does one find fabulous writing partners like these? I met both Liza and Eric on the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Discussion Board. There was some trial and error involved. I belonged to several other groups before I had the nerve to pull a writer I admired aside (Liza) and say, “Hey, I’m not happy with the way this group is working, but I’d like to keep working with you. Can we stay in touch?” She and I worked together for several months before we found Eric, whose “No Fluff” warning on the manuscript exchange board won us both over. We formally formed our triumvirate in December 2003 and three years later, in January of 2007, we met in person for the first time.

Eric’s first novel, BIG SLICK is being published by Farrar, Straus, and Giroux this fall. You can (and definitely SHOULD!) read more about it at his website or his blog.

Liza has had some serious nibbles over the past year and a half, and I suspect her debut is on the horizon. To sample Liza’s wit, check out her Cogitations and Codswollop.

The scariest part of signing my first book contract was not that I was now obligated (and under deadline) to write a middle grade nonfiction book. It was that I was now obligated (and under deadline!) to find photographs to illustrate said middle grade nonfiction book.
Looking back, I wonder how I had the nerve to sign the contract.

But sign I did. Here are some things I have learned since then:

• Photographic research is fun. Really. In the six months after I signed the contract, I learned how to scour digital image archives, negotiate rights to available images, secure permissions for public domain images, buy images from stock houses and professional photographers, track down amateur photographers—in my case beachcombers—who were willing and able to contribute images to TRACKING TRASH.

• Successful photo research aside, all “Scientists in the Field” books will eventually need fresh images of scientists … in the field.

• If you are going to undertake something very big—like, say, an entirely new career that will require you to fly two thousand miles from your babies to interview and photograph high profile scientists that you have never met—taking a friend is not a bad idea.

• If you want to collect stunning images, learn about photography, and get an introduction to professional photo-journalism while on location, taking Betty Jenewin is a downright fabulous idea.

Betty is a photo journalist for the Worcester Telegram & Gazette and, lucky for me, a good friend. She joined me on two research trips to the west coast and chronicled our adventures with her camera. When I look back on the year I researched and wrote TRACKING TRASH, I can not separate my accomplishment from the support and professional guidance of Betty. Fourteen of her images appear in the book, and I give much of the credit for the comments below, taken from major reviews, to her:

“…the vivid and lively photographs and well-labeled charts and diagrams help to create interest and build understanding.” School Library Journal, Starred review

“Maps and varied color photos support the text …” Kirkus Reviews, Starred review

“Photographs and detailed discussions of related subjects … contribute much background information.” The Horn Book

“…exceptionally fine color photos and handsome maps give this book an inviting look …” Booklist

“ … excellent supporting graphics.” VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates)

Thank you, Betty, for everything. Here’s to a new book featuring your images and my text … and both our names on the spine!