Students in Corning Community College’s Children’s Literature course got some unexpected help with their class book project when author Jackie Horsfall popped in. Jackie brought along a show-and-tell bag full of her 18 published books and foreign editions, magazine stories, examples of galley proofs, and talked about the inspiration behind her debut novel For the Love of Strangers.
The class had recently discussed YA magical realism, read several Printz and Newbery award-winning books, and bombarded her with questions: How long does it take to write a novel? How do you find an illustrator? What’s your favorite genre? Do you have an agent? What do writers earn?
She also gave the class pointers on creating their class project—an illustrated picture book—and their individual book projects. At the end of the class period, Jackie was invited back for the party at the end of the semester, with the unveiling of their own books.
And if you haven't had a chance to read Jackie's wonderful tale of a teen adopted from a Russian orphanage as a child, you'll want to pick up a copy of your own. As Patricia Hermes (award-winning author of You Shouldn’t Have to Say Goodbye, Mama, Let’s Dance, and Dear America/My America series) says:
“For the Love of Strangers instantly drew me into this poignant tale of a Russian adoptee, then continued to intrigue as it masterfully interwove threads of past and present into a haunting, lyrical novel that echoes in the heart and mind long after the pages are closed.”Interior and cover art by award-winning artist, Mary B. Kelly.
