Words and Wildlife Blog | TAMRA WIGHT – Children's Author

Gray New Gloucester’s School Visit

Posted on November 10, 2013 by Tamra

GNG Middle School Rocks!

I met with Mrs. Hodge and Mrs. Carbonneau’s classes a few weeks ago. They are taking part in Maine Botanical Gardens’ conservation program, and Cooper and Packrat fit in nicely with it.

I brought my descriptive language presentation, as it ties in with the reading portion of the grant. Using passages from Cooper and Packrat along with photos from the up-close-hands-on-research which inspired them, I showed the difference between “telling” the reader something and “showing”. We practiced ‘how to describe’, using Packrat’s Coat game. then took some boring ‘ol sentences and jazzed them up.

What an imaginative, creative class they were!

Afterward, I was presented with illustrations and notes inspired from their classroom reading.

This past summer, our loons nested twice, but each time the eggs didn’t hatch. I think the cold, heavy rain was to blame, and I always feel badly for the loons when this happens. I used those feelings in my writing so you would connect with the loons too.

By the way, I’m hoping for two babies next year!

Loon illustration gifts are always such a treat. I love the red eye detail.

What a perfect entrance sign for Wilder Family Campground!

I wanted that s’more scene to be perfect, so I made a vow. Even if I had to eat two hundred and fifty two s’mores in the name of research, so every word could be perfectly placed, and my readers would feel like they were eating those ooey-gooey marshmallow-y treats themselves, well . . . then . . . . I’d make that sacrifice.

It was worth every bite.

This sign made me smile!

Such a sad loon . . . this illustration has a picture book feel to it. Very clever!

The picture above and the two below brought me right back to any given night in July or August. The smell of the wood smoke, and the crackle of sparks. Scary stories being told as marshmallows are twirled near the campfire’s orange yellow flames. And when you least expect it, you hear the wail of the loon.

I hear Mrs. Hodge’s students were quite upset with her for leaving them with Chapter 22’s cliffhanger ending last Friday. And right before a long weekend too! Oh, the horror! How could she do that to you???

Keep up the great work, Mrs. Hodge and Mrs. Carbonneau’s classes!

Posted in Cooper and Packrat, School Visits | Tagged Cooper and Packrat, Mail, School Visits, writing notes | 2 Comments

A Huge Thank You to Ms. McPherson’s Class

Posted on November 2, 2013 by Tamra

A few weeks ago, I visited Ms. McPherson’s class in Buxton, Maine. I gave them a presentation on descriptive writing, showed them how I research to get all the little details just right, and we played a game to illustrate why it’s so important in the stories we write and share.

The students gave *me* amazing Thank You letters and illustrations inspired by Cooper and Packrat.

I love the rainy day details, and the soft hoot of the loon from off page

Why, yes! I AM going to write more! Mystery of the Eagle’s Nest will be out next August. A draft of it is sitting on my editors desk right now.

Where do I write these books? Good question! And one I don’t think I answered while I visited. I write anywhere and everywhere I can! Sometimes in the backyard in the summer, hotel rooms (if I’m on the road), the living room if it’s quiet, in school with my students. But mostly, at my desk, in my house . . .

Isn’t this adorable? An origami loon.

I love books too! I have piles of them in the house and have been known to sneak up to 10 books in my suitcase when we go on vacation.

” . . . nature, wildlife, friendship and family”. Exactly! That’s Cooper and Packrat in a nutshell.

I LOVE loons! There are photos on my bathroom wall. Statues sit on my desk. Carl DiRocco’s lovely art hangs on my office wall. A giant loon photo hangs behind the campground registration desk. I have a loon bedspread AND a loon cookie jar.

I’m a little loon crazy.

(Don’t you love how the loons are looking at the questions?)

Other outdoor books? Have you read Hoot by Carl Hiaasen? It’s all about kids who save owls. Or how about Touch Blue, by Cindy Lord, which is about Maine Island life and lobstering.

I HAVE seen loon chicks, and they are the most adorable things! Sadly, our loons didn’t have babies last year, so I wasn’t able to take photos personally, but here’s one taken by a camper friend of mine . . .

The feelings came from deep down inside, which is why I don’t have a favorite character. It’s kind of like asking a Mom which of her kids she loves best. We love them all!

And yes, even Mr. Beakman, um, I mean, Mr. Bakeman.

Thank YOU for reading and studying Mystery on Pine Lake . . .

Happy Reading!

Posted in Cooper and Packrat, School Visits | Tagged Cooper and Packrat, loons, Mail, School Visits | Comments Off

I Did That Thing I Said I Wouldn’t

Posted on October 13, 2013 by Tamra

I created a Pintrest board.

Or three . . .

Okay, eight! Eight Pintrest boards in all.

One board has images from Cooper and Packrat launches and signings. And of course, for Carl’s illustrations too.

The second board is full of Cooper and Packrat inspiration. Photos of loons, campground life and kids hanging out at Poland Spring Campground. On the lake scenes. S’mores. Campsites. Campfires. I was hoping teachers and librarians might find it helpful for writing prompts and such.

There’s a board for Cooper and Packrat as it’s being used in the classroom. Here I’d like educators to share the ways in which they’ve integrated the book into their curriculum. And perhaps they’ll discover something new too. Most recently, Nancy Cooper, a teacher and author friend, shared a Cooper and Packrat crossword puzzle.

I’ve created boards for my my favorite books and movies, old and new. I especially liked how my childhood books are now labeled as vintage.

Vintage!

*shakes head*

If you’re on Pintrest, follow me! Let me know how you’re liking or using Mystery on Pine Lake in your library or as part of your curriculum. I’m really curious!

Posted in Cooper and Packrat, writing notes | 2 Comments

What’s New?

Posted on October 11, 2013 by Tamra

This is the last weekend of the 2013 camping season. Where has the time gone? As always, there’s a mixed bag of emotions involved. I’m sad to see close friends, my parents and my campers leave .. .

but glad to get weekends off to walk the property . . .

Sad not to have groups of people around my campfire . . .

but glad to have family time again . . .

Sad not to have little campers stand at the counter and talk to me about books, wildlife, and other kid-like interests . . .

but very, very glad to gain some writing time!

Cooper and Packrat’s second book has a working title now. Cooper and Packrat: Mystery of the Eagle’s Nest. It makes it all the more real somehow to have settled on that. I’m 95% done with the revisions to it, the last of these based on a talented friend’s critique. It should be in my editor’s hands by the end of the month. She’s going to send me some revision notes (Yikes!) and I’ll revise again.

And probably again.

And maybe one more quick revision.

Then I’ll start research for a new book!

Buuuuut, I’m getting ahead of myself here.

I’ve been assisting the very knowledgeable Shannon Shanning Maine’s 2013 Teacher of the Year) as she creates a curriculum guide for Mystery on Pine Lake. It’s incredible! A chapter by chapter guide for educators, complete with the common core standards it covers. I’m putting the finishing touches on it now and will post it under the Teacher heading very soon.

You’ll also be glad to hear the trail camera is going out next week, too. Last year I caught the fox family, some squirrels, a fischer and a neighbor (walking the trail). This year I hope to catch much more, as I’ve been watching for signs and I’m more aware of where things are happening on the outer reaches of the property.

With the camp closing, I’m going to have more time to post here, too. Come back often so I can update you on where I’ll be with Cooper and Packrat and what’s happening with book two.

Posted in Cooper and Packrat, writing notes | Tagged Cooper and Packrat, hiking, writing notes | Comments Off

And The Winner IS ~

Posted on October 4, 2013 by Tamra

All through school, the appointment afterward and supper, I kept thinking about drawing the name for the Cooper and Packrat Giveaway.

As promised, all the names went into the bag, along with a slightly sticky marshmallow. I made sure the bag was full of air . . .

and I shook it!

This was the lucky, winner!

Neil, message me through Facebook (or e-mail me) with your address and I’ll get your copy right out to you.

Thanks to everyone for playing!

Posted in Cooper and Packrat | Tagged Cooper and Packrat | 2 Comments

Cooper and Packrat Giveaway

Posted on September 26, 2013 by Tamra

I have a copy of Cooper and Packrat signed by not just little ‘ol me . . .

. . . but by the amazing Carl DiRocco too!

I’m looking to add it to somebody’s bookshelf! All you have to do to put your name in the basket, is to:

1) Share this blog post link on your Facebook wall (you can share the Facebook announcement from my Tamra Wight-Children’s Author wall, if it’s easier)

and

2) Reply to this blog post with your ultimate combination of s’more ingredients

Is it chocolate graham crackers, a marshmallow, and a York Peppermint Patty?

How about cinnamon grahams, with a chocolate marshmallow and a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup?

Three grahams and two marshmallows?

Or perhaps you find it hard to resist a classic s’more?

Do you like a cold marshmallow between the layers? Or a warm, drippy, gooey one to melt the chocolate?

On October 4th, names on the replies posted below will be thrown into a basket and shaken up. The winning name will be chosen by a slightly sticky marshmallow.

The deadline for entry is Thursday, October 3rd . . . midnight . . . my time.

Posted in Cooper and Packrat | Tagged books, Cooper and Packrat | 20 Comments

One Foggy September Morning

Posted on September 22, 2013 by Tamra

Over my Writer’s Camp ‘n Schmooze weekend, two of my friends, Cindy and Mona, went kayaking in the early morning hours to watch the sunrise. They asked me to go too, but I was sooooo tired from juggling teaching, writing and camp, I decided to get the extra couple hours of sleep instead.

After seeing their photos and hearing about how they’d seen the fall loons . . . well, I’ve been regretting that decision ever since.

So when my friend Linda arrived for the weekend, I asked, “Want to see a sunrise tomorrow?”

Of course she said yes . . .

But there was no sunrise. The fog was thick. It danced across the water toward us, around us. It clung to everything . . .

It made it hard to take photos of the ducks and geese, which have begun to gather for their trip south.

We followed the sound of the loons mournful cry to find them.

My how they’ve changed!

Loons molt in September, changing from their brilliant black and white colors to a gray, not unlike a juveniles. After they fly to their winter home, they’ll molt again, this time becoming flightless for a time until their new feathers grow in and they return north.

We watched them for awhile . . . fishing and preening. Then we continued down toward the state park.

Right on the park’s shoreline, we saw a duck-like bird we didn’t recognize. Five of them. Diving, coming back up with little minnows, chasing each other.

It turns out it’s a common grebe! I believe these are all females. They were interesting to watch. A new birding find!

*corrected, thanks to my friend Patty! These are actually red-breasted mergansers, females. See Patty’s and my comments below*

As we headed for home, the fog lifted and the sun came out.

It was going to be a glorious day . . .

but we’d already seen the best part of it.

Posted in Hiking/Kayaking, Wildlife Sightings | Tagged birding, kayaking, loons, Wildlife | 4 Comments

Cooper and Packrat’s Poland, Maine Celebration

Posted on September 20, 2013 by Tamra

I’m such a lucky author. Not only can I boast of having fabulous camping friends and customers. But I live and work in the most amazing community ever! For weeks now, students, community members and colleagues from RSU 16 have cheered for Cooper and Packrat’s release. People I don’t even know, have congratulated me on the street.

This past week, our principal declared Thursday, September 19th, Tami Wight Day. (I still turn red whenever I think of it!) A challenge was put forth for staff and students to dress in “camp clothes” or in loon colors. What fun we had with that!

And on Thursday night, my colleagues put together the most precious Cooper and Packrat celebration . . .

The ambiance was set with shrubs, mums, and a kayak on loan from Shaker Hill Nursery on Route 26. Tents were borrowed from teaching friends. And voila!, we had a camping atmosphere!

There was a Meet The Author station, with the help of Mrs. Ustach’s students. They interviewed me during the school day, asking amazing questions, and then created this board which I can now take to ALL my signings. One of my favorite questions . . .

“If you could be a Super Hero, what would you be?”

Of course, we had book sales . . .

The s’more smorgasbord was a hit! As were the craft tables. Carl DiRocco had left behind some blank book covers for the kids to create their own illustrations. You can see several of the artists work on my Facebook page. You could create your own loon or do a Cooper and Packrat word search.

And of course, I had plenty of time to chat with some of my favorite people!

Soon enough, Mr. Vincent was introducing me (more blushing involved) and it was time for my favorite part of a signing/celebration.

I got to read aloud.

Chapter One.

And this time, I read with my wildlife and campground photographs displayed behind me.

While I read, many attendees followed along in their newly purchased books. Although not ALL of them did it in style, like this young man!

It was a great turnout! I met new people, saw some old friends and was able to connect with some of the students who were already reading Cooper and Packrat in their RSU 16 classrooms.

We also raffled off some Cooper and Packrat books, as well as a loon statue. To close the night though, Ms. Purdy, our BMW and PRHS librarian, had a special contest.

A loon calling contest!

I wish I had photos for you, but to be honest, my husband was sooooo caught up in practicing his own loon call, that he forgot to take pictures! What a fun time we had, though!

I started to list everyone who’d helped, but was afraid I’d forget someone in the process. So let me just give a huge thank you to the staff and friends at RSU 16 who helped to make it possible.

Cooper, Packrat and I thank you for an extraordinary night . . .

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Juvenile Blue Heron

Posted on September 9, 2013 by Tamra

Whew, it’s been awhile since I posted, but Cooper’s second adventure needed to be written in spite of a busy campground and school starting. Every spare minute went to his and Packrat’s story. I’m happy to report it’s done.

Okay, it’s not totally done. The first draft is done. Before I dig into the many revisions to come, and while it’s being read by a keen eye for feedback, I finally got a chance to take my camera on the trails.

I’d been itching to go since I’d had a wildlife tip from one of my young campers, “Where were you all day, Tami!” he’d said, early Sunday morning. “It was RIGHT THERE!”

The blue heron he was talking about wasn’t quite “right there” by the time I got lakeside. I followed the trail, in hopes of seeing something, anything. But then I stumbled upon him wading silently amongst the lily pads . . .

I quickly crouched down to hide behind a small bush. He’d seen me though, and we stayed still, staring at each other for at least ten minutes. Him measuring me. Me willing him to stay put long enough to take a couple pictures.

Stay, he did.

He even started preening, feather by feather.

I took over two hundred photos of this gorgeous juvenile heron.

When I had enough, I thanked him quietly. Then we both left.

I hope I meet him again sometime.

Posted in Wildlife Sightings | Tagged birding, Campground, Heron, hiking, Wildlife | 4 Comments

Cooper and Packrat Are Launched!

Posted on August 23, 2013 by Tamra

Wow.

I was humbled and amazed by the number of people who showed up for Cooper and Packrat’s launch. As I told the crowd, I really thought we’d have 20 or 30, not counting David’s parents and my parents.

It seems I underestimated by just a little bit.

I never would have imagined I could fit 130+ on my front lawn! Teaching colleagues, campers, friends, writing colleagues, wildlife lovers, and of course, family.

I was grateful to have each and every one of you there!

Carl DiRocco and his family camped with us over the weekend leading up to the launch. I really enjoyed meeting him, Gina and the boys in person.

On Sunday, he and Melissa Kim arrived at the launch , just as some early launch-goers gathered to make a toast before the big event . . .

A huge thank you to my friend and recreation director extraordinaire, Debbie Letourneau , for organizing it! Just what I needed . . .

All too soon it was to time for Melissa to get the show rolling.

I was a nervous wreck . . . shaking in my boots . . . well, flip flops. But Melissa began with her reasons for choosing Cooper and Packrat. Then she went on to announce it had been chosen by the Junior Library Guild! We were going into a second printing!

When it was my turn to speak I remembered my daughter’s words of wisdom: “Don’t cry!”

I came close, as I glanced at my husband in the beginning. But I managed to blink the tears back.

Shannon, the teacher in who’s room I teach, knows how much I enjoy reading out loud. She predicted that once I was a couple paragraphs in, that love would overtake the nervousness of having so many people I know and love in the audience.

She was absolutely right.

And to see some of them reading along, their lips moving silently . .. .

well, the feeling was indescribable, really.

After me, Carl presented in a big way!

He showed everyone how he created the cover and the inspiration he used in its development.

And then it was time for the kids activities!

Carl had brought blank Cooper and Packrat covers for the kids to create their own.

We saw some very talented artists in the crowd!

And my amazing and very giving Poland Spring recreation staff (Debbie, MJ, Maggie and Ron) manned a campfire so the attendees could roast marshmallows for the s’more smorgasbord

There were three different kinds of graham crackers, umpteen different kinds of candy bars and some of my mother’s very special, very secret recipe punch.

And while that was all happening, Carl and I happily signed books.

And signed books . . .

Toward the end of the line, were some very special friends of mine. Friends who encouraged, kicked me in the butt, and helped edit Cooper and Packrat along the way.

My writing group, the Schmoozers. So glad you were there!

All in all, I sold every one of the six cases I’d brought home with me two weeks ago. I remember thinking it was probably overkill, but I didn’t want to run out. Instead, I ended up having to purchase more from Islandport so I’d be sure to have them through the Fall!

As always, the best part of the day was talking to so many young readers, students and campers.

At one point, just before the signing, two young campers who’d spent the weekend chatting with me in the store, approached me:

“Tami, who’s the writer?”

“Me.”

They were speechless for a second. “YOU wrote THIS!”

Why, yes, yes I did.

Posted in Campground, Cooper and Packrat, writing notes | Tagged Campground, Cooper and Packrat, Schmooze, writing notes | Comments Off

TAMRA WIGHT – Children's Author