Saturday, March 20, 2010

Saying goodbye

Sid Fleischman died on Saint Paddy's Day. What a terrific author. Master of the tall tale. And if you read his books, you will learn about the craft. The way he weaved everything together. Have you ever read Humbug Mountain? In my opinion,  it is one of the best books ever written. Or the "McBroom" series about the family with 11 red-headed children set on their farm in Iowa, I think.

My favorite thing he ever taught me about writing is this; "Give weather reports. It helps the reality of a scene if foghorns are blowing or kites are in the sky on a windy afternoon or the day's so hot wallpaper is peeling off the walls."


So rest easy now Sid. And chat it up with Samuel and those prolific writers who have gone on before you. God bless.

12 comments:

  1. Another great gone. He'll be reading stories to the kids who have left us too soon.

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  2. That is a shame. Am thankful for the inspiring writers who have been such an example for us.
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  3. Sorry to hear this news, but thank you for letting us know. Makes me want to go straight to his books and draw what I can from them for my writing. We can be so thankful for those who help us along the way--but more than that, grateful for what wonderful works they create for the kids.

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  4. Thanks for the beautiful tribute to such a great writer. Your heart is huge, Robyn. That's a big part of why we love you so much. :)

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  5. Aw, I've read the McBrooms... this makes me so sad. What a great tribute.

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  6. I've never heard of this author, but I agree with his "weather report" advice. I guess it's probably the number one thing that people in general talk about and it's what decides many of our actions, so naturally it seems like the weather should be a big part of the stories we tell as well.
    Lee

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  7. Great tribute. I have heard of his and his books, but don't remember reading any. Will check them out, though. They look great.

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  8. As a big fan of tall tales, how did I not know he had other books other than The Whipping Boy?! So sad that it takes his death for me to find that out.

    Thanks for sharing about him, Robyn! May he find writer friends indeed.

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  9. I did not know of Sid but having been taught by someone creates a solid connection. Sorry that I did not know of him. I will check him out at the library.

    Happy, Happy Spring to you and your family.

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  10. Robyn, you have now introduced me to TWO new writers. Sid Fleischman is being added to the April TBR list. I am fascinated by the little red-headed children, and so will be my Irish best friend. Yep, red-headed!

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