Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Researching Behind the Scenes with Author Maria Gianferrari and Editor Emily Feinberg

By Carrie Charley Brown
 
We were lucky to learn about crossing genres from author Maria Gianferrari during ReFoReMo 2016. With the release of her newest book, COYOTE MOON, she's back to give us the inside scoop on the research behind the book. And lucky us! She brought her editor, Emily Feinberg of Roaring Brook Press, along for the ride.

Carrie: You used such authentic, lyrical language, which really kept me in the story moment, Maria. What type of animal research did you need to be so accurate?  How about for setting?

Maria: Thanks, Carrie! I did a ton of research. I began with general books on coyotes and canines. I discovered a leading eastern coyote researcher, Dr. Jon Way, and I read his book, Suburban Howls as well as many of his scientific papers. Then I interviewed him and attended one of his lectures. I learned from him that eastern coyotes are coywolf hybrids, and are significantly larger than their western cousins. The eastern coyote is depicted in my story. He had also found orphaned coyote pups, who later went to live at a local zoo. Here’s a photo of one of them named Lupe.  Even though he’s lying down, it’s easy to see how large and wolf-like (and beautiful) he is! And then I read more books.
I also did field research scanning my neighborhood for signs of coyote presence since they’re so elusive: searching for scat, animal remains, and potential bedding sites. I once found a bunch of turkey feathers, so that inspired the climax scene in the story.  
The setting was modeled after my own suburban Massachusetts neighborhood where I had my first coyote encounter. I intentionally chose a suburban setting, since I wanted to show how coyotes are so intelligent and adaptable that they’re able to live side-by-side with humans.

Carrie: What was your main inspiration for writing this story?

Maria: A close encounter with a coyote in my old Massachusetts neighborhood. It was a cold winter’s night in January 2007. We had family visiting from Germany, and our one year old dog, Becca, still needed a late evening walk to get rid of extra energy. My husband, Niko, took her outside, but rather than heading upstairs to get ready for bed, something told me to look out the window. While Niko and Becca were strolling down the sidewalk, a coyote suddenly dashed through our yard and began to follow them! I yelled to Niko to come back, and he and Becca headed into our fenced backyard, and entered via our porch. I watched from inside as the coyote ran back and forth around our fence, and across the street to our neighbors’ yards sniffing and marking. Then, armed with a broom, I went outside. I walked down to the end of our sidewalk and stopped. The coyote stood diagonally across the street less than 20 feet away, under a utility pole so like the one Bagram featured on the cover. We stood there and just regarded each other. Then it gave a low growl, turned and trotted away from me. It sounds strange, but it felt like more of a spiritual encounter—I felt honored and blessed to have seen this majestic creature. Then my obsession with all-things coyote began.

Carrie: Did any mentor texts inspire you? 

Maria: I definitely had Nicola Davies’s lovely and lyrical Bat Loves the Night in mind when writing the many drafts of Coyote Moon. The language is lush and vivid; it’s also a night-time story with tension and drama and tenderness, so it inspired Coyote Moon in these ways. I absolutely love reading nature nonfiction and animal stories. Some of my other favorite nature nonfiction writers whose works have served as mentor texts are April Pulley Sayre, Melissa Stewart, Sandra Markle and Brenda Guiberson.

Carrie: What was your most memorable take-away from this project collaboration? 

Maria: How wonderful it is to be a part of a team, to have experienced the collaborative love and dedication it takes to make a picture book. Emily has been such a joy to work with! From our very first phone conversation, we connected over our love of canines. I’ll never forget how she used the word “atmospheric”—that was the kind of illustrator she wanted, and Bagram was the perfect match. When he joined the team, I was (and still am) so in awe of the atmosphere he was able to create! He rendered the coyote and other creatures with such dynamic precision—from the coyote’s and the rabbit’s fur, to the barbs of the turkey feathers, to the blades of grass and the bark on the tree—the intricate detail is just astounding! He really made the setting into a character too—I feel transported back to my old Massachusetts neighborhood, especially in this scene (coyote rabbit photo). It looks just like my old neighbor’s backyard!
I’m so happy and fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Emily, Bagram and the rest of the team at Roaring Brook. And lucky me—we’ll be doing another nonfiction book together on bobcats!

Carrie: Hi Emily! As an editor, what drew you to this project?

Emily Feinberg: I loved the simplicity of the text. It's not overwritten but there is such a clear sense of atmosphere. Just looking at the text,  I could see the whole book. The biggest challenge was figuring out how to present what I call the "kill spread" in which our protagonist, Coyote, finally secures dinner for her family (spoiler: a strutting turkey). How could we show this without showing blood or other gruesome (but natural) details? I loved thinking about that challenge while we were looking for an illustrator, and then once Bagram Ibatoulline entered the scene, the pieces started fitting together. Maria's gorgeous words and Bagram's breathtaking art work together so well. They're both such smart people and compliment each other's talents.

Carrie: What was your most memorable take-away from this project collaboration?

Emily: Honestly, just how easy it was working with both Maria and Bagram. They're both so professional, excellent problem-solvers, and insanely talented. It felt like all our visions for the book aligned, so that, of course, made it easier. Another thing I've noticed since the book was finished is that people really relate to this subject. That's a huge takeaway for me as an editor. It's all nice and good to be involved in making a beautiful book but to have the subject mean something to people is a whole other wonderful thing. As I learned from Maria, there are coyotes in 49/50 states, and it seems everyone has a "coyote in my neighborhood" story. 

Thank you both for sharing your time and viewpoints today! Maria is offering a giveaway of COYOTE MOON!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Goodreads review by Carrie Charley Brown:

Beautiful words and illustrations paint a very realistic scene that spans from the woods to the neighborhood. Every move that Mama Coyote makes is expressed with authentic, lyrical beauty; portraying her predatory instincts and quest to feed her hungry pups. The setting and the character unite in a feeling of mystery as Coyote's attempts fail and the tension builds. Bagram Ibatoulline's illustrations are so realistic that they are photoesque, further enhancing the genuine nature of the sneaky coyote and the food chain plight that is inevitable. The language chosen by author Maria Gianferrari proves that every word counts in a picture book, allowing readers to walk the night as a Coyote and truly internalize the experience. The Common Core ties run strong throughout the storyline and are further enhanced by back matter filled with Coyote Facts. 
After earning her master’s degrees in Children’s Literature and English Literature from Simmons College in Boston, Emily Feinberg joined the editorial team at Roaring Brook Press in 2011. She works mostly with picture book, middle grade and nonfiction titles. Coming up, she has Elisha Cooper’s Big Cat, Little Cat, a tender and beautifully illustrated picture book about life, loss, and cats, as well as Maria Gianferrari’s nonfiction picture books Coyote Moon (illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline) and Highway Hawks (illustrated by Brian Floca). In her free time, Emily enjoys hanging out with dogs.

Maria Gianferrari writes both fiction and nonfiction picture books from her sunny, book-lined study in northern Virginia, with dog, Becca as her muse. Maria’s debut picture book, Penny & Jelly: The School Show, illustrated by Thyra Heder, was released in July 2015 (HMH Books for Young Readers); a companion book, Penny & Jelly Slumber Under the Stars, was released in mid-June. Her debut nonfiction book, Coyote Moon, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline, will be published by Roaring Brook Press in July and is a Junior Library Guild Selection. In October, Aladdin Books for Young Readers will publish another fiction title, Officer Katz & Houndini: A Tale of Two Tails, illustrated by Danny Chatzikonstantinou. Maria has five more titles forthcoming from Roaring Brook Press, Boyds Mills Press and GP Putnam’s Sons. To learn more about Maria, visit her website: mariagianferrari.com and Facebook 

Don't forget to join her on the Coyote Blog tour:
  • FRI 7/15:                   Pragmatic Mom (+ 3 book giveaway)
  • FRI 7/22:                   Kidlit411




 


60 comments:

  1. Congratulations on this book! I enjoyed Emily's presentation of Coyote Moon during a webinar. Kids will love reading about and staring at the beautiful creatures!

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    1. Thanks, Tina :)! How nice that you got an early look? What kind of predators do you have in Korea?

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  2. I, too, love the intersection of animals/nature and nonfiction told with a literary feel. Congratulations to the team. Coyote Moon is on its way to me now!

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    1. How wonderful to hear that its on the way to you--thanks so much, Carrie :)!

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  3. I agree with Emily - the perfect pairing of two incredibly talented professionals! Can't wait to have my own Coyote Moon.

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    1. Aww--you're way too kind, Cathy :)!! Hugs!! <3 <3

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  4. Thanks so much for featuring Coyote Moon here today, Carrie!!

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    1. We are honored to have you here! Thank you both for the time you took to share with us!

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  5. Thanks so much for featuring Coyote Moon and the background details of the making of this book.

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  6. Congratulations on this nonfiction title, Maria! The text and art look so beautiful together! I can't wait to share this one with my little ones. Thanks also to Emily for your comments on working on a project from behind the editor's desk.

    Best wishes and thanks again!

    Brittany Orrico

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    1. Thanks, Brittany!! I was so lucky to be partnered with Bagram. His work is truly amazing! He really brought the words to life beyond my wildest dreams & imagination. I am so thankful to Emily for her vision for this book from the get-go :)

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  7. I love this story (esp because I love coyotes!) I've had some wonderful experiences righting non-fiction magazine pieces for children, and after reading this, I'm now really considering delving into the world of non-fiction picture books. I love the research angle and as we can all see, it really pays off! Way to go,Maria!

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    1. Cool name, Yangmama!! Go for it! Guess what! This manuscript began as a PB when it was rejected in its article form from Highlights! I couldn't let go of the coyotes, and a pb manuscript was born. Good luck!!

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  8. Thank you for sharing your research process for your book. It's amazing how your encounter stayed with you and provided you with an opportunity to share it with the world. Congratulations!

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    1. Thanks, Cynthia!! It really left an impression on me, so much that I had to read anything & everything to learn more. It was so fun & rewarding.

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  9. Congratulations, Maria! I had the pleasure to hear Emily read the ARC at WOW last year. You could hear how much she loved this book. :)

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    1. Thanks, Wendy--that's so nice to hear!!

      Congrats again to you too on your new book contract--woo-hoo!!

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  10. I ordered Coyite Mion months ago when I first read about it. I can't wait to finally read it in person. It was so great to hear the story behind the book. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. Wow--that's great, Angela!! Thank you so much for pre-ordering the book! I hope you'll like it :)!

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  11. Wow, what a stunning looking book! I look forward to reading it. Thanks also for the other nonfiction mentor text suggestions.

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    1. Thanks, Linda!! The illustrations are just incredible, as is Bagram! I am very lucky to have him as the illustrator--he made this book so gorgeous!

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  12. Thank you for this joint interview! Coyote Moon sounds like the perfect mentor text for me. The story is a wonderful blend of lyrical writing and research.

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    1. Nice to see you here, Manju. I hope you'll like it :).

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  13. What a wonderful looking book. Creative non fiction is a genre I would love to explore.

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    1. It's one of my favorite genres--go for it, Rita :)!

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  14. Looks like a great book for our school library. Can't wait to read it!

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  15. Congrats, Maria :) I've watched coyotes all my life and it's so refreshing to see someone tell their story. They prowled my area so I kept my pets inside ;) I look forward to reading your book.

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    1. So cool, Charlotte!! Where do you live? It's best to keep pets inside to keep them safe & healthy. Coyotes are predators after all :)

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  16. I read this book recently and loved it so much! We live close to downtown LA and yet we see coyotes in our neighborhood pretty regularly. They're amazing.

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    1. Oh--that's so wonderful to hear that you liked it, Colleen!! Thank you for your kind words!! <3

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  17. Loved hearing about your personal encounter. And excited to read something quite different from you.

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    1. Merci, Joanna!! It is quite different in tone and approach than Penny & Jelly, that's for sure. But it's another canine story :).

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  18. Oooh, can't wait to read this. What a lovely interview. So fun to hear about the real-life connections and inspirations, and the nf writers who inspired the writing, too. Such great choices for mentors:>)

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  19. Congratulations and beautiful post! What a wonderful celebration of the art that is a PB!

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    1. Bagram's art and the photorealistic, intricate detail is just astounding. I can't imagine how long it takes to create just one spread. It's a feast for the senses :)

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  20. Lovely book. I recommend it to my CP, who write a book about a rabbit confronting wolves. Congratulations!. :)

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    1. That sounds like a cool book! Thanks, Gayle, and good luck to your CP!!

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  21. Congratulations Maria! Thank you for sharing how much research when into your story. I can't wait to read it.

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  22. Congratulations Maria! Thank you for sharing how much research when into your story. I can't wait to read it.

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  23. Congratulations, Maria! I've been exploring nonfiction myself. You've accomplished one of the hardest parts - making it exciting! Thank you both for sharing your process. I can't wait to read it! :)

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    1. Thanks, Donna!! Nice to see you here :)! Good luck with your nf writing!! It is one of my very favorite things to read (& write!)

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  24. Congratulations on this and your other books! Coyote Moon looks beautiful. I love lyrical NF and can't wait to read it.

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    1. Lyrical NF is one of my favorite genres (to read & write). Thanks, Kristen :).

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  25. Great interview, thank you all for sharing with us! The book looks wonderful and I can't wait to read it :)

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  26. Wonderful interview, Carrie...and thank you so much, Maria and Emily...such a big help for us to get a peek inside the process of making this beautiful book! Congrats to all!

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    1. Thank you, Vivian!! I hope you are well--hugs!! OOO

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    2. You bet, Vivian! It's my pleasure to be in company with Maria and Emily. :) I'm learning lots from them!

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  27. I'm getting this book for my nephew but due to it's beautiful, lyrical language, topic, and lovely illustrations, I'd love to win a copy for my own library. (hey, who says grown-ups can't enjoy a good picture book?)

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  28. Definitely, Linda!! I read a ton of picture books, and buy them for myself too--we're never too old for picture books!

    Vielen Dank & Tschüss!!!

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  29. Putting this one on my to-read list. Thanks for the wonderful interview.

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  30. Thanks, Buffy :)! I hope you will like it.

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  31. Looks like a beautiful book! My family and I recently watched the Nature presentation on PBS about the coywolf. We were surprised to learn they currently inhabit large inner cities. Living in a rural area in Michigan, I am lucky to frequently hear their yipping calls out my bedroom window. Looking forward to reading your book.

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