Monique Polak

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Monique Polak's Blog
	Description: In this blog, I'll give you weekly updates on the writing life.

Dec 05

2007

School's Out! Here Comes Writing Time!!

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Classes are over at Marianopolis College. I've been marking like a fiend. Ask my husband who got a little miffed when I brought term papers with me to the grocery store on the weekend!! It's always a bit of an adjustment to go from teaching to writing full-time, especially over the holidays when there are so many other demands on our time. This afternoon, I'm going to phone my friendIsabelle Guay -- she is the teacher at whose house I stayed when I was in George River last year. I want to ask her some questions about winter camping in Nunavik. That's because I'm working on a section in my new book where my character is going to go on a winter camping trip. So I'm looking forward to catching up with Isabelle, who's been traveling in Europe for three months -- and who is now living outside of Quebec City.

I also wanted to tell you about one of my students, Kim A. She dropped by my office this morning to chat (and to give me moral support when I had a little computer trouble). Kim, who's Chinese, told me she's adopted and that next week, she'll celebrate the 17th anniversary of her arrival in Canada. She doesn't know for sure what she'll do to celebrate, but she said she plans to eat eclairs -- her favourite dessert. Coincidentally, another student, who was also in Kim's class, told us she was adopted, too. Unfortunately, Kim was absent that day. But the other student's account of her life really fascinated the class -- and me. And of course, you know what I'm thinking (because I always think the same thing!!): ALL THIS MAKES GREAT MATERIAL FOR STORIES!!! Speaking of which, I'm going to make myself a cup of green tea and settle in to do some writing before I call Isabelle. Have a great afternoon wherever you are!!

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Nov 30

2007

I Should be Marking Essays!!

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My students submitted their final essays this week, which means there's a big pile of 'em on the living room floor -- and a smaller pile (those are the ones I've already graded) in my schoolbag. All this to say I don't expect to be doing any new writing until the middle of next week. When I'm not writing, I miss it -- it's kind of like not getting to be with your crush!!! <div>But I decided to write this blog entry today, anyhow, to fill you in on some news. First, I wanted to tell you about some of the really cool papers I've been marking -- I've been teaching two sections of a course called "The Stuff of Nonsense" and for the final assignment, my students had to create a work of nonsense and analyze it in a separate essay. So far, I've seen some amazing stuff. Katherine D made a scarf out of red licorice! Steven B took a totally cool photo that was a play on the I Spy books he loved as a child. Becky W made a guitar that's half chicken and half musical instrument and Zach K made a sandwich that he filled with the layers that make up his personality. So even though I've got a ton of marking, I can't complain too much since so many of the assignments are just plain fun to read. Also, projects like these make me reflect on the pleasures of creativity. It makes me happy to know there are an endless number of great ideas out there -- if only we're open to them and if we take the trouble to turn them into something.

Two other bits of news to report: the proofs for my spring book, 121 Express, arrived today. It's the story of a group of kids who go wild on a school bus and it's inspired by true events -- and by a real bus route in Montreal. The book is due out in spring 2008 and will be published by Orca Books. And finally, I wanted to tell you I've got a story in today's Globe & Mail newspaper. It's about a tray and how I tried to trick my husband. If you've got time to check it out, you can read the story at http://www.globeandmail.com/factsandarguments

Okay, back to those papers!!

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Nov 23

2007

It's great getting feedback on this blog!!

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Just time for a quick entry today, but I wanted to say thanks to those of you who've been posting comments on this blog. It's fun to know that even with the many things we all have to do, we're making time to read people's blogs. Darinka Popovic, teacher-librarian at Rockheights Middle School in Victoria, B.C., shared an interesting memory about clotheslines (she doesn't share my fondness for them, however!). I've also had feedback from students I've met in the last few weeks on school visits -- so thanks to you Victoria, Joy and Lawrence. Lawrence, who's a student at Westmount High in Montreal, is a blogger himself. I checked out his blog last night and found it pretty interesting, especially when he gets personal. If you want to see it for yourself, go to http://yellowjordan.spaces.live.com/default.aspx

Another blogger who's been staying in touch with me via this blog is fellow writer Anita Daher, who lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba. We got our first snow in Montreal this week, but from what I understand, Winnipeg's already seen plenty of winter. Anita's latest book is called Two Foot Punch and it's published by Orca Books. Visit Anita's blog at http://anitadaher.blogspot.com

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Nov 19

2007

Today's Visit to Westmount High School

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I did another school visit today -- at Westmount High School in Montreal. Again, I'm feeling very inspired by the young people I met. The school librarian Susan Chau (Miss Chau to the students) arranged the visit. (She is the same librarian who helped me when I was writing a story for The National Post newspaper about bibliotherapy.) My friend and fellow writer Lori Weber also visited WestmountHigh today -- so afterwards, we got to go for lunch and compare notes!!

The first group I met were grade 11 students. There was a bit of rustling while I was talking about my life as a writer -- but everyone really settled down when I read them a funny scene from my book No More Pranks. There's nothing we writers like more than an attentive audience! Afterwards, three students stayed to chat with me. It turns out they were all fairly new to the school. Lea and Larissa are exchange students; Lea comes from north of Cologne in Germany, Larissa comes from Sao Paulo in Brazil. I also met Shayna who recently moved to Montreal from New Jersey. Shayna told me she is working on a novella. My favourite moment happened when Shayna called out: "I need a pen. I just got an idea!" That sounded to me like someone who's got the writing bug. Way to go, Shayna!!

The second group of students were grade tens. I must say they were perfectly well behaved. Ironically, the only time I had to "shush" anybody was when TWO TEACHERS were talking. Pretty funny, no?!! I also got to chat with a couple of students afterwards. One of them, Melissa, writes poetry and she let me read her poems called "It's a pathetic kind of love." The poem is powerful and as I told Melissa, I love the title. I suggested she post it on the blog, so look out for it in this space. From the poem, it feels to me like Melissa has already experienced some difficult moments in her life. I always tell students there's one good thing about going through tough times: YOU GET MATERIAL TO WRITE ABOUT. Actually, there's another important thing that comes from going through tough times: YOU DEVELOP COMPASSION FOR OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE IT TOUGH. In fact, and I know I'm going on a bit here, but this is something I really believe in: it takes compassion to sympathize with a character in a book you are reading, and it takes compassion to develop believable characters in the stories we are writing. I still want to tell you about two more students, both of whom told me things about themselves that made me admire their courage. One was a girl named Holly, who said she could really relate to one of my books. And then there was Nicefar, who has begun writing a book about her own life. Nicefar was raised in Grenada by her grandmother and aunt. She faced some challenges growing up, but it's easy to see that, like Holly, she's gained an unusual sensitivity along the way.

Like I told these students, JUST WRITE!!! Don't worry if you haven't got the beginning, the middle or the end of your story. The German writer Goethe said, "Anything you want or think you want, begin it!" Writing stories is our way to make sense of an often complicated world.

I do feel like my own world gets bigger every time I visit a school and meet more students. So, a big thanks to all of you!! And send me your comments or questions about writing.

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Nov 16

2007

Stories, Stories Everywhere

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Hello out there! I'm just back from a morning at Lindsay Place High School in Pointe-Claire, on Montreal's West Island. I certainly hope I inspired the students (I told them about how I got into writing, how I get my ideas... and I read a bit from my books), but one thing's for sure: THE STUDENTS INSPIRED ME.

I spoke to three grade eight classes and though there wasn't much timefor me to chat with them afterwards (they had to go to class), I heard some neat stories -- and had a chance to make some interesting observations.

The first class I met were Mrs. Dalton's students. One guy in the class -- Chazz -- is a reading junkie. At one point during my presentation, I caught him reading. (Now, if he'd been reading one of my books, I might not have minded!!) Apparently, Chazz even reads during gym class. To be completely honest, I think it's a pretty wonderful condition!! What writer or librarian could disapprove of a young person who can't stop reading?!! Another student, Rebeccah, had a good story of her own. Yesterday, she and a friend got trapped in the school gym's garage. Apparently, it took a while for the gym teacher to figure out they were in there. I told Rebecca that story might make a good opening for a teen novel. A student named Victoria told me something interesting about her family: she has a two-year-old brother who was adopted from a troubled family. Thank goodness, the brother seems to be doing really well. A student named Kady sat quietly in the corner, but I could tell from her body language (in case you don't knwo it, I'm obsessed with body language) she was really interested in writing.

Several of the students in the second class I spoke to (their teacher's name is Mrs. Hunter) had cool nicknames (which made think I should do a better job of giving my characters nicknames in my books). One guy whose blond hair matched perfectly with his sweater was named Eric, but his nickname is Rico. Then there was Veronica, who likes being called Vee. She told me she collects cows -- both live ones and stuffed ones. (In case you're wondering about her live cow collection, it turns out her dad owns a farm.) Also, a student named Erin had a cool haircut -- and she told me Kady (from Mrs. Dalton's class) had cut her hair. I thought that was a fun coincidence -- and it confirmed my sense that Kady has a strong artistic side.

The last group "belonged" to Ms. Thauvette. (Can students belong to their teachers?) Though Ms. Thauvette warned me her students could sometimes be a little too talkative, I found they were really focused. Cody, a young man who sat up front, told me he has a personal story about a difficult childhood experience he'd like to write -- and perhaps sell to The Globe & Mail newspaper's Facts & Arguments page. (I told the students The Globe & Mail runs a personal essay Monday through Fridays on the Facts & Arguments page, and I encouraged them to send their submissions there.) A student named Camille happened to be wearing a lime green sweatshirt -- and when she stood up, I noticed how she was also wearing neon green leggings. (In case you're far away reading this -- the sky in Montreal today is thick with clouds, and so that burst of lime green felt like a treat!) Another student named Sanya told me she is diabetic and has to give herself insulin injections three times a day, including once at lunch. Luckily, Sanya has a friend Joy (whom I also met) who hangs out and provides support to Sanya when she gives herself her insulin shot at school. I hope you can tell from this entry how excited I was to meet so many interesting young people. Everyone -- every single one of us -- has a story. I think our job, not just as writers, but as people, is to discover other people's stories. Before I sign off for today, I want to say a big thank-you to librarian Dayle Cushen who invited me to visit Lindsay Place. Thanks also to the students and their teachers: you guys have given me a new burst of energy to bring to my stories about teenagers!

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Nov 15

2007

Heading Out for a Run... and to think about my story

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Hello, out there! Just a short entry, but it's about something I think is an important topic: how writers like me get our ideas. I find, and I've heard this from other writers, too, that my best ideas don't necessarily come while I'm sitting in front of the computer screen.

I'm a bit of an exercise nut (I try to workout every day, either by going for a run or doing weightsat the YMCA near my house)... but I don't just work out for the physical benefits. I work out because it's part of how I get my best ideas. Running is especially good. That's why, when I run, I always carry paper and a pen with me (in this smart little waterproof pouch that straps around my arm). I've also found swimming is a good time to get ideas -- but writing them down underwater is a bit more challenging!! And before I sign off for the day, I'm going to tell you about another good place to get ideas. Are you ready? Don't laugh, okay?

THE SHOWER!! And it's not just me. I've heard this from other writers, too. Sometimes, when I'm in the shower, I actually hear my characters talking (I know this sounds crazy, but it's actually a very good thing for a writer to hear her characters talking). When that happens, I jump out of the shower, wrap myself in a towel, and rush to my office (it's next to the bathroom, fortunately) to write down what it is I heard my characters saying.

In my next blog entry, I'll tell you about napping and creativity. In the mean time, when you take your shower tonight or tomorrow morning, see if any creative ideas come to you!!

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Nov 08

2007

What My Writing Friends in Toronto are Up To...

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When I was in Toronto last weekend, I didn't just attend the childen's writing conference I told you about -- I also made time for FUN. As I'm always telling my students, it's important to engage in what psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud called "pleasurable play." Time-out for having fun makes us happier, less stressed and more productive.

On Friday, I had lunch with two ofmy closest friends, both of whom now live in Toronto. I met my friend Lisa Pelletier when we went to Snowlarks Ski School -- about 35 years ago!! And I met my friend Janet Emmett on our first day as students at Marianopolis College in 1977. Lisa is a therapist and Janet is a vice-president of YMCA Canada. When the three of us get together, there's never a shortage of stuff to talk about!!

I also met up with two of my writing friends in Toronto: Hadley Dyer and Jocelyn Shipley -- and today, I want to tell you what they're up to writing-wise. Hadley was my editor at James Lorimer and Co. I owe her a huge debt for being such a thorough and inspiring editor. She recently resigned from Lorimer so she could write full-time. Her first novel Johnny Kellock Died Today (HarperCollins) is a must-read. It won the Canadian Library Association Book of the Year Award and was recently nominated for the TD Children's Book Prize. The story is set in Nova Scotia, where Hadley grew up. On Friday night, Hadley and I had dinner at a wonderful vegetarian restaurant on Bloor Street, where we caught up and "talked shop." Hadley is nearly through the first draft of her next book. We also talked a lot about her new dog, Luke, and I was not surprised to learn that there's a dog in the upcoming book.

On Sunday morning, before I caught the train home, I met up with another Toronto children's writer -- Jocelyn Shipley. Jocelyn and I met two years ago at Book Expo in Toronto and hit it off. I've read and thoroughly enjoyed Jocelyn's book Seraphina's Circle. It's a lot about sisters and secrets and I'd say it has a slightly old-fashioned charm (a little like Lucy Maude Montgomery's writing). That book was recently nominated for a Stellar Award. Jocelyn and Toronto children's writer Deborah Lougheed are co-editing a collection of short stories about daughters and mothers and body image. Their book, which has the very cool title Cleavage, is due out this spring with Sumach Press.

There is something special about hanging out with old friends (like Lisa and Janet.) And there is also something special about meeting up with writing friends (like Hadley and Jocelyn) who share my passion for stories and face some of the same struggles I do.

Okay, back to the writing!!

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Nov 05

2007

Home Sweet Home, but Feeling Very Inspired

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I always tell my students to avoid the word "very" -- but sometimes, a person just can't help it. I'm just back from the Packaging Your Imagination conference in Toronto and I'm feeling VERY inspired. The conference is run by a great group called CANSCAIP (that stands for Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators and Performers). But let me get to the interestingparts. First, I heard several children's writers speak at the conference and I want to pass on some of their great ideas. Also, while I was in Toronto, I met up with two fellow writers and I want to tell you a bit about what they're up to.

Okay, I'll start with the conference. The first speaker I heard was Vancouver Island author Susan Juby. (I just bought her first book which is called Alice, I Think). Susan discussed the importance of writing "in scenes." She told us not to focus too much on "back-story" (those are all the things that happened to your character before your story begins) or on description, but to tell a story using scenes, which she defined as "units of action with beginning, middle and end." Susan also said something that writers who are just starting out would be wise to pay attention to: "Don't stop writing, no matter how unpleasant it gets!"

The next author I heard was Janet McNaughton, who comes from Nova Scotia. She focused on character development. For me, the most interesting thing she said was that it's best not to rely too much on real people when you develop characters in your stories. She suggested that real people can be a jumping-off point, but that we know characters better when we make them up in our imaginations. That really got me thinking since, to be honest, I am often inspired by real people!!

The last author I heard was Frieda Wishinsky, who was there to talk about chapter books. Frieda talked about the importance of using strong verbs -- and avoiding adverbs. She told us how she does a lot of her writing in coffee shops and that she enjoys discussing her stories with trusted friends. I liked that part because I do that too, although I know there are plenty of writers who feel it's best to keep a story to themselves when it's in progress. Frieda also said how sometimes it is important to put a book away in your drawer and forget it for a while: "Sometimes we get too close to our own material. It's really important to give it a rest. It's so easy to miss things when you're close to it."

You know, I think I've already given you lots of stuff to think about today, so how about I save the stuff about my writing friends in Toronto until my next entry? Besides, I want to plant some flower bulbs in our front garden -- and because I was away for three nights, I want to make my husband and my daughter something interesting for supper. Only I haven't figured out what!!

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Oct 31

2007

Exciting Evening with Friends from Nunavik!

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Well, as life sometimes does, it served up a great gift yesterday. I think I told you I'd heard from my friend Sapina Snowball in Nunavik that she was coming to Montreal for a career conference. Yesterday, when I got home from school, there was a phone message from her. She explained that she'd arrived late on Monday and had been at her conference all day yesterday... and that she was leavingfirst thing this morning. So I thought to myself that was that and I'd have to wait for another time to see her. But, just as my husband and I were sitting down to a late dinner, the phone rang and there was Sapina, trying me one more time. I gobbled up my steak and mashed potatoes and rushed out to meet up with her.

She was with a friend named Ida Baron, who is also from her town, but whom I didn't meet when I was there last year. The three of us went for "coffee" (actually we all had milk -- but it sounds strange to say we "went for milk") and pastries at the cafe at the Pepsi Forum in Montreal.

Not only did I get to hear about what's up with Sapina (and Ida), but they caught me up on the lives of my other friends in Kangiqsualujjuaq (Sapina, I know you're reading this -- did I get the spelling right?!!), and they HELPED ME WITH THE NEW BOOK PROJECT!!!! I had several questions for them, mostly about winter camping and the kinds of things that could go wrong on a winter camping trip. Sapina told me she'd heard that once, when some people she knew were asleep in their tent, a polar bear came along -- and pressed down on the tent. Just writing that makes me anxious!! We also talked about something very sad. On New Year's Eve 1999, nine people died in an avalanche that hit the girls' town. The townspeople were celebrating at the local school when the avalanche struck. Though it was hard for them, Sapina and Ida shared some of their memories of the terrible night. In the story I'm writing, I want my narrator (a boy from Montreal) to learn not just about the North, but also some life lessons from the kids he meets there. To have been so close to death as people like Sapina and Ida were that terrible New Year's Eve must change a person -- and make them understand things about life that the rest of us often don't. Anyway, I didn't mean to write another sad blog entry today. Mostly, I wanted to say how very privileged I felt to spend some time with these two special young women. Now I feel a new burst of energy that I plan to use later this afternoon, when I return to my story.

You may not hear from me again until next week. That's because I'm going to a terrific children's writing workshop in Toronto, called "Packaging Your Imagination." (If you're an aspiring children's writer, you should look into coming, too. The event is organized by a group called CANSCAIP.) I'll be sure to fill you in next week on what I learn while I'm away!

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Oct 26

2007

Preparing for a Talk about Writing -- and Researching

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I got through that pile of correcting I was moaning about earlier this week. Mercifully, many of the essays were excellent. I didn't tell you, but the assignment was to analyze a joke using the Freudian model we have been studying in class. The class, in case you're wondering what kind of class studies jokes, is called "The Stuff of Nonsense."

Today, to celebrate my freedom from correcting, I went out for lunch with my friend Gordana. But don't think I've been lazing around all day!! I've been preparing for a lecture I am doing this Sunday at the Eleanor London Library in Cote St. Luc, the part of Montreal where I grew up. My lecture is called, "My Mother's Untold Story." I will be discussing how I went about researching and then writing my manuscript "Lotje's Story." That story is based on my mother's experience in the Theresienstadt concentration camp when she was aged 14 to 16. Until last winter, my mother never really discussed what had happened to her in the camp. But I managed to get her to tell me the story she had kept to herself for more than 60 years. As you may know, if you've been reading more of my blog entries, I am a firm believer in the power of telling stories. I think telling her story was good for my mum. It was certainly important for me to hear it -- and hopefully, when people read the novel I have written that is based on my mother's experience, they will benefit, too.

My mother is 78 years old. Of course, I hope she and my dad will be with us for many more years, but the truth is there are fewer and fewer Holocaust survivors around to share their stories. That's why I think it's important for the rest of us to listen to those stories so that we can keep the past alive -- and learn from it.

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