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Andy Nelson |
Shy school librarian finds success as author
Laura Schlitz lives out her own real-life fable – her children's book is 'discovered,' wins a prestigious award, and fame comes knocking.
from the March 14, 2008 edition
Page 3 of 3
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Schlitz writes at her dining-room table, setting down first drafts in longhand – with a fountain pen. With her day job at the library, she has to snatch writing time: mornings, Saturdays, school holidays, and summer vacation. "I'm not very disciplined," she insists. "I have to trick myself and reward myself and coax myself."
For years she wrote stories with no prospect of publication. "It was like throwing them down a well," she says. It's different now. With four well-received books ("The Hero Schliemann: The Dreamer Who Dug for Troy;" "The Bearskinner," a retelling of a Brothers Grimm tale; "A Drowned Maiden's Hair;" and "Good Masters"), her editors at Candlewick are eager for more.
The range of Schlitz's books has also captured the attention of the publishing industry. "I was amazed," says Roger Sutton, editor in chief of The Horn Book magazine. "I couldn't believe the books were written by the same author. She's found a way to write in a completely different voice, different tone, different style. That's her gift as a storyteller."
But a Newbery laureate has certain responsibilities, and Schlitz is expected to deliver an acceptance speech at the American Library Association (which awards the Newbery) convention in Anaheim, Calif., in June. "I've been reading through the past speeches, hoping to find a dismal one that will give me a sense of confidence, but they're all wonderful," she says.
Since winning the award, Schlitz has been too busy to make any extravagant purchases beyond a pair of red gloves to match her winter coat. The Newbery will probably not bring riches – "Good Masters" is no Harry Potter franchise – but she plans to splurge on a "spectacular" new hat. It will be a suitable replacement for the tiara.
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