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April Mystery Author: Miranda Paul

4/14/2015

22 Comments

 
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I became acquainted with today’s Mystery Author, Miranda Paul, through participation in the 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge.  I was impressed with her dedication as a picture book writer and her willingness to help other people.  She is the founder and administrator of Rate Your Story, and a team member for the We Need Diverse Books Campaign.  I was not surprised at all to be blown away by her new historical fiction picture book, One Plastic Bag.

Thanks for joining us today, Miranda. Congratulations on the release of One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay, and The Recycling Women of Gambia!


I understand that you spent time in the Gambia and visited with many different women to comprise your story.  With so much information, how did you ever decide to shape your story?


It wasn’t easy—at first I thought I’d help Isatou write a memoir, since there is so much more to her story than the recycling and women’s empowerment projects she kickstarted. Ultimately, I decided that a book for children was the right project for me to work on, and thus I needed to focus and narrow the scope to fit that audience. It wasn’t always easy choosing which details to keep in, which to leave out—but critique groups, my editor, and even Isatou helped me look at the story objectively.
Along with the gorgeous illustrations of Elizabeth Zunon, you do an amazing job of really drawing us into the Gambia environment and culture through sensory language.  What do you feel played the main role in bringing this to your writing?

I suppose it’s my passion for and knowledge of the Gambia. I believe this is the first traditionally-published picture book about a real Gambian woman, and I’m aware that it might be the only one some kids read about this place in the world.  (I do hope that’s going to change, though!)
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Illustration copyright 2015 Elizabeth Zunon
Have you ever tried to crochet a recycled plastic purse yourself?

Yes. It’s hard! The women use such tiny crochet needles. I’m a failure at the purses but proud to say that I’m really great at cutting a plastic bag into one long strip to make the “plarn”. And I’m not too bad at making recycled jump ropes for kids! (Teachers can download the instructions at oneplasticbag.com)

How have experiences, such as being a volunteer teacher in the Gambia, shaped you as a writer?


Writing is about finding new perspectives, building empathy, and exploring details to discover a bigger picture. My time in Gambia strengthened those skills. But it also taught me to be resourceful and make things work with little to start from—and as most people who are trying to make a living doing creative work…this is key!

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I am emotionally moved by the efforts of your main character, Isatou Ceesay, and The Recycling Women of Gambia.  With Earth Day approaching (April 22), it is great time to renew our commitment to this beautiful land.  What do you feel others writers can do to promote their dedication? 

On April 1, Isatou Ceesay and I participated in Authors for Earth Day, a grassroots effort through which tens of thousand dollars have been contributed to various conservation organizations.  Together, the school and I made a donation of more than $850 to the Plastic Pollution Coalition, and the kids spent days before and after my visit discussing and working on environment-related projects. Of course, there are many other ways writers can show their stewardship for the Earth!


We not only share a passion for writing, but teaching as well.  I relate to your passion for motivating kids, along with the desire to incorporate a love for children’s books and creativity into a full-time writing career.  When did you feel it was the right time to leave your teaching position and focus on writing and illustrating full time?


The high school I most recently worked at still calls me in to sub, and I go in if I’m available—plus I still help coordinate some of the international students. So technically, I haven’t given up  all of my teacher/school involvement even now!

I had signed my first two book contracts and was making a decent part-time income from freelancing work before stepping away from the daily classroom responsibilities.

Is there one common thread that holds your picture books together?  How does this affect the books you write?


I like to inspire, entertain, and broaden horizons. The common theme of my books? That each one is more than a book, I guess. One Plastic Bag is a living history, a conversation sparker, and a vehicle for change. Water is Water is a poem, a bedtime or library read-aloud, and a scientific exploration. Whose Hands Are These? (coming in 2016) is a guessing game and a story in one... See the pattern?

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Miranda Paul is a former teacher and children’s writer who is passionate about creating stories that inspire, entertain, and broaden horizons. In addition to her work for magazines and digital markets, Miranda is the author of two environmentally-themed picture books. Her debut, One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia, and her second book, Water is Water were both named Junior Library Guild selections and received starred reviews from School Library Journal. She is the Executive VP of Outreach for We Need Diverse Books and the administrator of RateYourStory.org, a site for aspiring writers. Miranda believes in working hard, having fun, and being kind. Learn more about her current and forthcoming books at www.mirandapaul.com.

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22 Comments
Elizabeth B Martin link
4/13/2015 11:05:18 pm

Well done Miranda. Your book sounds extraordinary and I can't wait to read it.

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M Paul link
4/15/2015 02:06:20 am

Thank you, Elizabeth! I hope you enjoy the book.

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Kirsti Call
4/14/2015 06:28:45 am

Thanks Miranda and Carrie for a phenomenal interview. I love One Plastic Bag and I can't wait to read your others, Miranda!

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M Paul link
4/15/2015 02:07:09 am

Thanks for the encouragement, Kirsti. I hope you enjoy Water is Water - not too much longer now!

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Sandy Perlic
4/14/2015 09:21:29 am

I love hearing the story behind the story! Thanks for sharing, Miranda!

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M Paul link
4/15/2015 02:07:51 am

You're welcome. I love sharing the story behind the story, and I enjoyed hearing other authors' stories as I was on my journey to publish as well.

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Maria Gianferrari link
4/14/2015 10:55:13 am

So looking forward to reading this book!

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M Paul link
4/15/2015 02:08:17 am

Thank you. I hope you enjoy it!

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Nicole Popel link
4/14/2015 01:18:45 pm

Miranda signed a copy of One Plastic Bag for my Little Free Library Walnut. It's the most popular book in my PB collection. Adults enjoy reading the book, and are amazed at what Isatou Ceesay created. Thank you, Carrie, for shinning a light on this perfect picture book!

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M Paul link
4/15/2015 02:09:00 am

That's so fantastic! One day I want to come see Little Free Library Walnut!

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Nancy Ramsey
4/14/2015 02:11:03 pm

Great interview! Looking forward to reading One Plastic Bag! Thanks Miranda and Carrie-

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Carrie Charley Brown
4/20/2015 03:21:15 pm

You are welcome, Nancy!

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Kristen Kirwan Browning
4/14/2015 02:11:27 pm

Thanks very much for the informative and inspiring interview! I look forward to reading your books, Miranda.

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Carrie
4/20/2015 03:23:05 pm

Thanks for reading, Kristen!

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Charlotte Dixon link
4/15/2015 09:10:57 am

Delightful interview, Miranda and Carrie :) I have my own signed copy of One Plastic Bag and I'm eagerly awaiting Water Is Water. Thank you for your inspiration, Miranda.

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Carrie
4/20/2015 03:22:26 pm

Thank you for stopping in for a read, Charlotte! I hope the inspiration carries you to the writing progress you seek.

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Julie Hedlund link
4/15/2015 02:21:35 pm

Fantastic interview, ladies! Miranda - you're an inspiration as well as a friend.

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Carrie
4/20/2015 03:24:02 pm

Thanks, Julie! We appreciate the support. So happy to have you as a friend.

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Jennifer Judd link
4/16/2015 09:53:26 am

Wonderful interview! So inpsirational!

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Carrie
4/20/2015 03:24:21 pm

Thanks, Jen!

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Jarm Del Boccio link
4/20/2015 03:45:18 am

I so enjoyed learning more about your journey here, Miranda. So thrilled for where your writing is taking you these days!

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Carrie
4/20/2015 03:25:19 pm

Thanks, Jarm! Miranda's journey is so inspiring!

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    Carrie Charley Brown

    As a children’s writer, and a teacher, my goal is to help you carry on.  Sometimes learning is challenging, so why go it alone?  Your journey will be more meaningful and comfortable with friends to share it with. Together, we'll get up close and personal with authors, illustrators, and the best of picture books.  If we work together, great things will follow! 

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