Did you know this?
January of this year was the New York Public Library’s 125th year anniversary. Part of their celebration included a list of their most checked out books over the span of all those years. In the adult category they listed 1984, Fahrenheit 451, and How to Win Friends and Influence People. In the children’s category they listed thousands more. Only three in the adult and thousands in the children’s? That’s interesting, isn’t it? Also of interest is the fact that the most popular children’s book ever was not included on that list. Good Night Moon. And that was because it wasn’t acquired by the library until 1972, twenty-five years after it was published.
But why wasn’t it included in their collection? The reason was one woman, Ann Carol Moore. She didn’t like the book and gave it her infamous “Not Approved By Expert” stamp–the kiss of death, according to early children book writers. She nixed a lot of children’s books this way because if the New York Library didn’t acquire them, others didn’t either. ACM was a lover of fantasy and believed children, especially those inner city kids without a lot of resources in the home, needed escape, not reality. For years, she dominated the library’s book acquisitions, so books about garbage trucks or things kids saw everyday didn’t reach the shelves.
Now you might label her as a mean-spirited, cranky old librarian, yet ACM is credited with not only getting children into the library (they weren’t allowed until very late 1890s), but creating a special space for them. When they checked out a book, they had to sign a paper, saying they’d take good care of it and return it on time–a first lesson in citizenship. So while we can criticize her for her book bias, we have to acknowledge her contribution to early literacy.
Well, it’s another first Wednesday and another chance to consider a writing-related question.
Remember, the question is optional!
When you think of the term working writer, what does that look like to you? What do you think it is supposed to look like? Do you see yourself as a working writer or aspiring or hobbyist, and if latter two, what does that look like?
The awesome co-hosts for the October 7 posting of the IWSG are
Jemima Pett, Beth Camp, Beverly Stowe McClure, and Gwen Gardner!
This is a complicated question, and by that I mean I’m not sure of the answer. I’m not a hobbyist, so rule that out. I’m still aspiring because I want to be better at my craft. If describing myself as a working writer means making money is my primary goal, then I’ll have to rule that out. It’s always nice when the royalties drop into my account, but I didn’t set out to make money. I set out to write the best book I could. In fact, each time I start a new project, that’s always my goal. I’ve never thought, “This one has to be a money maker.” I’ve always thought I hope it’s a story that people will enjoy or a least read and react to.
I’m curious about how others will answer this question, which BTW, is darned thought-provoking.
It’s time for another #WEP. This one should be a fascinating contest. Just look at the theme.
If you want to join in this month’s contest, check out the How To Join Page.
Available on Amazon
And because it’s my favorite month which has my favorite holiday, I’m going to run a giveaway for my Adventures of Pete and Weasel Series. If you’d like signed copies of these three books (all quite HALLOWEEN and KID (8-12 years) appropriate enter my Rafflecopter Giveaway. Sorry, but I’m going to have to keep this limited to the U.S. only.
Blurb: Pete’s always in trouble, and his bookish friend, Weasel, is always pulled into whatever mess Pete manages to stir up. Follow their adventures that start with Alligators Overhead and an alligator war in the Ornofree Swamp, then journey back to jolly old England when Queen Victoria is only 16 in The Great Time Lock Disaster. In Some Very Messy Medieval Magic, they’ll take you to the year 1173 to find a missing Time Traveler and save the world.
I had no idea about ACM. I’d never heard of her, but do value her contribution to literacy. Also, thanks for sharing in your newsletter about does and don’ts!
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for the visit. Great to see you here.
One of my first tourist stops in NY was to the library. Such a beautiful place!
That’s very interesting and good to know that even famous, published novels came up against gate keepers.
And think about the chance involved in that gatekeeper being in charge at the exact time your book is being published. I guess this also points to the fact that a good book will survive no matter what.
What an interesting story about the NYPL and ACM. Thanks for sharing it, Lee. For me, writing is the reward. I’d have starved a long time ago if I had to depend on writing for money ~ LOL!
that is interesting about the library? I write all the time for work, but certainly don’t see myself as a working writer…
please note my new blog: http://www.fromarockyhillside.com
I see you’re already set up at your new location. I look forward to hearing how things are going.
If money were my motivator, I’d quit writing right now. 😉
Or I’d write very different books.
I’d change my book genre as well. In fact, I am, but still it’s not the money that’s made me change.
Fascinating info about the library. And no. I did not know.
I hear ya on the working portion. It’s interesting to see the feed back to that question.
I liked this question. It made me think about what I do.
Your post is very intriguing. I like learning about the top books and the history behind the choices. I also like how you aspire to write the best book you can 🙂
Happy IWSG, Lee.
Hi Erika,
This was new information for me, so I thought other book lovers might find it of interest. Glad you did.
Love your library story. It is fascinating. I’m glad this librarian liked fantasy for kids. I only wish I encountered such a librarian when I was a child. I didn’t, alas, but fantasy became my favorite genre as an adult all the same.
Did your libraries allow children into them before the late 1900s? I’m curious.
I love the Pete and Weasel Series. Back later. And you are a super writer.
You are a major supporter for so many writers, Beverly and you still have time to write books like crazy. I really admire that.
Thanks for sharing the info about Ann Carol Moore. I had no idea. Enjoy October!
Same to you, Carol. I’m embracing fall this year like no other year.
Thanks for the mini history lesson. That’s interesting to know.
I love history and when I come across people who have made big changes in how our country works, I have to find out more about them.
Love the quote! And thanks for the NYPL info.
Look her up, YV. She’s quite a character.
And like many historical figures, ACM has her pros and cons. It’s like she was human or something 😉
Yes, she does. I give her a lot of credit for starting children’s sections of libraries. That was a huge and positive change.
It’s interesting how one person’s stamp-of-approval or kiss of death can make or break a book and whether it’s accepted or not. Sad, really, because that’s just one person’s (her) opinion.
ACM had many interesting quirks and from what I’ve read about her, she must have been a challenge to work with and to work for. She did a lot of good, but like you, I disagree with one person having that much power.
I really see you as a working writer because you are working on and getting your books published.
As you know it is a lot of work, even if we love what we do!
How very sad that ACM’s perspective was so narrow. I am thrilled that she loved and encouraged reading and very glad that she wasn’t the final arbiter on what got published (even if she did limit access).
From my perspective I think that all writers work. Some of them more diligently and some more successfully. Those who persevere to the point where their books are released have my applause – and the others my encouragement.
You’re a great cheerleader, Sue. And I’ve seen your writing, which I happen to enjoy reading BTW!
I love that quote!
Wildly enough, my older daughter and I were talking about realistic versus fantasy fiction for young children, and she would agree with ACM because she felt the realistic books she read as a child confused her more than the fantasy books. She knew the fantasy books weren’t real, but having the American Girl doll books present a fictional view of historical events, reading a fictionalized account of a character on the Titanic (but the character wasn’t based on a real person), and even reading Junie B. Jones confused her – she didn’t understand why anyone would write fictionalized accounts of real or contemporary events, and she would often think they were real until she reached the end, and then she felt disappointed. BTW, she didn’t tell me this when she was a kid; but only now, as a college student. She prefers non-fiction books about science these days, although now and then she will read SF or fantasy.
That is so interesting, Tyrean. I’d never thought about a child being confused by fictionalized history. Kids are so amazing, aren’t they? They see things that we simple do not.
I love that you took the time to tell this story here.
I like your point of view and share it too. Not that mine get much of read lately. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
Yes. I read your post and nodded a lot.
Interesting about ACM and the library choices. Sounds like her heart was in the right place, just needed to widen the window!
I write for the joy of it too – although sales would be nice! But mostly I love creating the worlds and the characters and then letting them run the show!
It is interesting how those characters take over. I wish I understood the psychology of all that.
That’s quite interesting about libraries!
I don’t worry about money, either, only about telling the best story I can.
Ronel visiting on IWSG day Revamp Your Backlist
Glad we think alike!
A story people will enjoy is more important.
Indeed.
I think I definitely classify as a hobbyist writer.
Interesting about the children’s books. I was always a fantasy reader growing up. I wonder if the libraries had any influence on that?
You’re a busy mom, so having writing as a hobby makes perfect sense.
Hi, Cheryl-Lee!
Happy October to you, dear friend!
I think most writers would dismiss the word “hobby” to describe what they do because writing is a passion or a calling. I believe our best work is accomplished when we concentrate on producing a quality product, not profits. I enjoyed the blurb revealing the gist of your series chronicling the Adventures of Pete and Weasel.
I’m no Einstein, but I would like to update his quote by suggesting that the only thing you absolutely have to know, is how to access truthful, accurate information.
Have a wonderful month, dear friend Cheryl-Lee!
As always, you have a most interesting comment in response to my post. I look forward to reading your take on what I pull together each month. I’ll be around to see what you’re up to soon.
Interesting story about the library!
I focus on likability of the story more than money, too.
My guess is that a lot of writers do.
Hi,
I didn’t know this about Ann Carol Moore. Maybe in her own childhood she suffered disappointment with some of the things she dreamed about. Who knows, but I don’t see her as being a mean person but more like over protective.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat Garcia
I’ve read more about her and she had a lot of quirks; however, I agree with you. I think she just got carried away, liking to be a gatekeeper.
I wonder how that librarian felt about Fahrenheit 451?
I don’t worry about the money either.
It was probably a hard book read for them. Money is not a motivator for me with writing, but it is nice stuff to have in case of emergency.