The middle school years (grades 6-8) can be hard because you’re “in the middle.” I wanted to acknowledge that struggle in this story. When Jasmine arrives on the Island, she meets Opal who is a glass artist and a friend of her Uncle’s. When Opal offers a contest in stained glass, Jasmine jumps at the chance to learn a new skill and show she can be the best-just like her Father. Opal sounds like a fascinating character. I have a feeling she is a major influence on Jasmine. Opal is a glass artist who owns a glass art shop on the island. Opal is a successful glass artist, but, Opal is not like Jasmine’s Father. Opal believes in community and being of service to others. She shows Jasmine how to redefine her understanding of what makes a successful artist. How is life on a Pacific Northwest Island different from where Jasmine was raised? Coupon code ommwriter how to# On the Island, everyone knows everyone-something 13-year-old Cole points out on their first bike ride into town. But, island life takes getting used to for Jasmine. For example, she is frustrated when her cell phone does not work very well. In Jasmine’s words…what would she like to say to the tween who is reading her story? What words of advice would she give her reader? Jasmine is waiting a phone call from her Father (which never comes), and she can only get reception when she is in town. If your parents get divorced, it’s not your fault. I thought Dad left because of something I had done. I believed that if I won art awards like Dad, then he would love me. If you want to find out more about mentoring in your community, here are some great resources: The best thing to happen was for me to move to the Island and learn about mentorship. Share a little bit of your perseverance with getting Stained Glass Summer to print. I began writing Stained Glass Summer ten years ago. A friend gave me three pieces of broken glass she had found in an art supply store dumpster and Jasmine’s character popped into my head. What I love about the long journey of Stained Glass Summer is the story took me to so many places. The journey began when I applied for and was accepted to the National Book Foundation Summer Writing Camp. It was at Camp that I met Ann Angel and Norma Fox Mazer who both encouraged me to apply for the Vermont College MFA in Writing for Children Program. I was accepted to the program and traveled to Vermont two times a year for residencies. I met many great people who worked on this story including: Ron Koertge, Liza Ketchum, Sharon Darrow, and Lisa Jahn Clough. After graduating, I spent another six years submitting. It came close to being published a couple times, but each time, the story wasn’t “quite right for them”. Finally, I sent the manuscript to freelance editor, Sarah Cloots. She suggested the story become a middle grade novel. It was Sarah who titled the story, Stained Glass Summer. When I saw Musa was looking for YA and middle grade submissions, I sent off a query and partial.
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