Champions of Creativity

L. Frank Baum

Lyman Frank Baum was born on May 15, 1856; next Monday marks his 167th birthday. He is best known for his children's book series, The Wonderful World of Oz, fourteen books in all. Mr. Baum was a prolific writer, penning forty-one novels, eighty-four short stories, two hundred poems, and at least forty-two scripts. He was a truly creative soul, making several attempts to bring his works to the stage and screen. In 1939, the adaptation of The Wizard of Oz was finally brought to the silver screen, becoming a landmark of twentieth-century cinema.

Frank Baum suffered from heart problems and found the warm sunshine of Coronado, California, wonderful weather to restore his health - and to write! The photograph on the left is of the Frank Baum House where the author and his small family occasionally resided between 1904-1910. Mr. Baum would write in the mornings, and in the afternoons would golf, or spend time reading to children in the courtyard of The Hotel Del Coronado.

In addition to L. Frank Baum (who famously designed the crown chandeliers still hanging in the Crown Room of the hotel), many other famous guests frequented The Del, including actors, politicians, and even royalty.

Since my father was stationed at the North Island Naval Air Station in Coronado, I was born on that sunny paradise island. Consequently, over the years I've become interested in the history of Coronado. Since Mr. Baum was a children's book author, I've enjoyed learning about him. 

Remember to follow your yellow brick road!

Champion of Creativity

Margaret Wise Brown

While Margaret Wise Brown is best known for writing such children's books as Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny, her own story is fascinating. So much so, that I'm featuring her as a Champion of Creativity on her 109th birthday.

Margaret was born on May 23, 1910 in Brooklyn, New York, to Robert and Maude Brown. She attended boarding school in Switzerland and later studied at Hollins College in Roanoke, Virginia, where she graduated with a B.A. in English in 1932. Soon thereafter, she went to work as a teacher at the Bank Street Experimental School in New York City, and then went to work as an editor at the publishing house of William R. Scott. It was while working there that she began to write books for children. In 1937 her first book - When the Wind Blew - was published. Years later, she left that position and devoted the rest of her life to writing over one hundred books for children. (She also wrote verse and lyrics for songs reproduced on children's records.)

In researching the life of this talented woman, I learned that her life was complicated; she had relationships with both men and women, and went by the nicknames of Tim, Brownie, and Goldie. Margaret  was curious, imaginative, and loved adventures. It was while on one of her many adventures, this one a book tour in France, that she required unexpected surgery for an ovarian cyst. Unfortunately, complications ensued, and she died of an embolism on November 13, 1952 in Nice, France. Margaret was just forty-two at the time of her death.

In her short, but illustrious life, she was a prolific writer and an influential editor of children's books. While at the Scott publishing house she attempted to recruit contemporary authors of the time to write books for children. Only Gertrude Stein accepted. Ms. Stein penned The World is Round which was illustrated by Clement Hurd. That association proved important in Margaret's life: Hurd later became the illustrator for both Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny - copies of those books alone have sold millions.

Margaret lived only long enough to write children's books for fifteen years. Yet, she is one of the most prolific authors ever. It's a reminder to be purposeful about what you do and how you spend your time. Obviously, Margaret Wise Brown loved writing stories for children.

While Margaret's studio, Cobble Court, was in Manhattan, the only house she ever owned was in Vinalhaven, Maine - thus, the name.

The Only House on an island off the coast of Maine

Champion of Creativity

Maya Angelou

The extraordinary poet, writer, and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou was born on this day in 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri. Today I am featuring her as a true Champion of Creativity; she was an American icon & cultural treasure.

Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Annie Johnson, but as a little girl her older brother Bailey nicknamed her "Maya." Following her parents' divorce, when she was three and her brother four, they were sent to their grandmother's home in Stamps, Arkansas - all alone. They lived happily there for four years, when, for some unknown reason, her father arrived in Stamps and removed Maya and Bailey from their home, and took them back to live with there mother in St. Louis.

Unfortunately, it was in their mother's home that Maya was sexually abused and raped by her mother's boyfriend. She told Bailey about what her mother's boyfriend, Freeman, had done. The man was tried and convicted, but only served one day in jail. Within days after his release, Freeman was murdered. Shortly after Freeman's murder, Maya and her brother were sent back to their grandmother's home in Stamps, Arkansas. She subsequently became mute for five years. She later stated, "I thought, my voice killed him; I killed that man, because I told his name. And I thought I would never speak again, because my voice would kill anyone." It was during this period of silence that she developed her amazing memory, her love of literature, and her ability to observe the world around her. Angelou credited a teacher and family friend, Mrs. Bertha Flowers, with helping her to speak again. The woman introduced young Maya to books by numerous authors including: Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare, and Frances Harper.

One reason I've chosen to feature Maya Angelou as a Champion of Creativity is due to the way she lived her life; the way she made choices. At times she seemed to make only poor choices, and at other times, her choices seemed brilliant. One thing that is clear is that, as an adult, Ms. Angelou was led by her heart. This deep connection to her inner spirit is what made her such an iconic author and poet. I believe it is also what fueled her deep commitment to civil rights.

In 1969, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was published. That autobiography quickly won Angelou international acclaim. Maya went on to publish six more autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and numerous plays, movies, and television shows. On January 20, 1993, she recited her poem On the Pulse of Morning at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton.

Maya Angelou received numerous degrees from a variety of universities. She received three Grammy Awards for her spoken word albums. Angelou was also honored by being nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award. Her autobiographies have been widely used in institutes of higher education to teach students such subjects as literary techniques, race relations, psychology, and child development.

Maya Angelou died on May 28, 2014 in Winston, North Carolina.

Ms. Angelou had an extraordinary way of illuminating the human condition. I often read her quotes for inspiration along my storyteller's journey. Here's one of my favorites:

"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you."

Champion of Creativity

"Dr. Seuss"
Theodor  Seuss Geisel

Since tomorrow marks the 115th birthday of the iconic children's book author Dr. Seuss - Theodor Seuss Geisel - I thought it only fitting to feature him as a Champion of Creativity. After all, he, more than most authors, artists, etc., is worthy of that title!

After researching the extraordinary life of Theodor Seuss Geisel, it's become apparent to me that the volume of his publications and awards are beyond anything I can come close to addressing in this small blog post. Therefore, I'll share just some of the highlights from this remarkable man's life and long career that resonated with me.

He was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on March 2, 1904 to parents of German descent. After the onset of World War I both he and his sister Marnie experienced anti-German prejudice from the children in their lives. (Later in life, he would adopt strong liberal views.)

Theodor attended Dartmouth College where his writing skills were put to good use in the humor magazine, Dartmouth Jack-O-Lantern. After graduating from Dartmouth, he moved to England where he attended Oxford University. It was there, that he met his future wife, Helen Palmer. Although Theodor desired to earn his doctorate in literature and become an English teacher, Helen encouraged him to find a profession that would also utilize his drawing skills; she'd been most impressed by the animal drawings in his numerous notebooks. So he left Oxford without earning his doctorate and began sending his writings and drawings to magazines and advertisement agencies. After earning enough money to convince himself that he could make a career as a writer, he moved back to the United States with Helen, where they were subsequently married.

Theodor and Helen settled in New York City, where he continued writing, primarily for the humor magazine Judge, which established his career. It was in a 1927 article in Judge where Theodor Seuss Geisel first used the pen name of Dr. Seuss. In 1931 Dr. Seuss illustrated a children's book, Boners - a collection of children's sayings. In 1936, while he and Helen were on a cruise, the ship's engines inspired a poem that would become the first children's book he would write and illustrate: And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street. However, according to a variety of accounts, prior to the publication of his book, Geisel received somewhere between 20 and 43 rejections! In fact, while he was walking home to burn the manuscript he ran into an old Dartmouth classmate, which led to the book's publication by Vanguard Press. (I love anecdotes like that!) Following that book, he wrote four more children's books before the onset of World War II.

Leading up to World War II, Dr. Seuss wrote many political cartoons. He was a staunch supporter of FDR, and subsequently entered the U.S. Army in 1943 as a Captain. He became the head of the Animation and Film Department for the U.S. Government where he wrote several films, some of them propaganda. Design for Death was one of his war films; it won the 1947 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

After the war, Theodor and Helen moved to La Jolla, California - that is when his career as a children's book author/illustrator really took off. Books like: The Cat in the Hat (1957); How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1957); Green Eggs and Ham (1960), are just a few of the sixty books that Dr. Seuss wrote and illustrated in his lifetime.

Theodor Seuss Geisel died on September 24, 1991, at the age of 87.

Dr. Seuss received far too many awards to mention in full, here are just a few:

Dartmouth College awarded him an honorary doctorate in 1956, thus making his pen name legitimate.

Pulitzer Prize in 1984 for his "contribution over nearly half a century to the education and enjoyment of America's children and their parents."

On 2004 U.S. children's librarians established the annual Theodor Seuss Geisel Award to recognize the most distinguished American book for beginning readers published in English in the U.S. during the preceding year.

Two Emmy Awards.

Two Academy Awards.

A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Geisel's birthday, March 2, has been adopted as the annual date for National Read Across America Day, an initiative on reading that was created by the National Education Association.

Let's all celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss by reading a book!

Champions of Creativity

Michael Bond

When my first son, David, was born, Paddington became a big deal in our home. His likeness showed up in not only books, but as stuffed animals, dishes, & video tapes.

So, when I learned that British author, Michael Bond - the creator of the precocious bear - would have celebrated his ninety-third year this Sunday, I decided to feature him as a Champion of Creativity.

One reason I occasionally feature an icon in creativity, is that I always learn some surprising tidbit about the "champion" that I would have otherwise never known. That is certainly the case with Mr. Bond.

Michael Bond was born on January 13, 1926, in Newbury, Berkshire, in England. He was educated at Presentation College in Reading, but being extremely unhappy there, he left his formal education at the age of fourteen - much to the chagrin of his parents. With World War II under way, he went to work as an engineer's assistant for the BBC.  On February 10, 1943, the building in which he was working was bombed, killing 41 people and injuring dozens more. Afterwards, he served briefly in the RAF, but due to severe air sickness, he was discharged. He ended up serving in the British Army, and it was while stationed in Cairo, Egypt, in 1945, that Bond began writing.

After the war, he worked as a cameraman for the BBC and continued writing plays and short stories. It was not until 1958 that he finally had his first book published: A Bear Called Paddington.

After dropping out of formal education at the age of fourteen this self-taught writer became one of the most successful children's book authors of all time. Surely his time during World War II was an education of an extraordinary type, unfortunately. But Bond managed somehow, some way, to have the confidence to keep writing. I find that incredible fact so inspiring. He had such perseverance.

Mr. Bond penned several stories featuring his beloved Paddington.
He also wrote two short films for the BBC, as well as two children's television series: "The Herbs" and "The Adventures of Parsley."
Additionally, Bond wrote dozens of stories for his imaginative characters: Olga da Polga and Monsieur Pamplemousse.

On July 6, 2007 the University of Reading recognized Michael Bond's extraordinary expertise in writing, when they awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Letters. What an unlikely journey the author had taken to receive a university degree - and so well-served.

He was also honored when he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1997; then in 2017 he received the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

The adventures of Paddington have sold over 35 million books.

Michael Bond died on June 27, 2017, in London, England.

The movie - Paddington 2, was dedicated to his memory.

Champions of Creativity

Ursula K. Le Guin

This Sunday would have been the eighty-ninth birthday of the iconic author, Ursula Le Guin. I was lucky enough to hear her speak at the Wordstock Book Festival in November of 2015, in Portland, Oregon.


Since Ms. Le Guin and her husband, Charles, moved to Portland, Oregon in 1958, her legion of Pacific Northwest fans consider her their own. However, the truth is, Ursula had a colorful tapestry of places where she resided and experienced life. She was born on October 21, 1929 in Berkeley, California. Her father was an anthropologist and her mother a writer. Consequently, she grew up in an intellectual environment that included family friends that included: scientists, writers, Native Americans, and college students. Ursula had stated that her dynamic childhood was something for which she was extremely grateful. She wrote her first fantasy story at the tender age of nine!

After graduating from Berkeley High School, she studied at Radcliffe, Columbia, and then won a Fulbright grant to continue her education in France. From 1951 to 1961 she wrote five novels - all of which were rejected by publishers! During that time she also wrote poetry and short stories, some of those stories were published. It wasn't until 1964 that she had the first story of her Earthsea fantasy series published: "The Word of Unbinding." She went on to write and publish numerous fantasy works, becoming an iconic fantasy children's book author.

When she was asked about what had influenced her writing, she responded: "Once I learned to read, I read everything. I read all the famous fantasies - Alice in Wonderland, Wind in the Willows, and Kipling....this stuff is so beautiful, and so strange, and I want to do something like that."

Indeed she did just that.

Ms. Le Guin's literary works often blended fantasy with science fiction, but she always bristled at being pigeon-holed into any one genre. She was a tough-minded feminist whose works often included themes of environmentalism and anarchism. She wrote numerous titles during her long life, not only for children, but for adults as well. Ursula won numerous awards during her illustrious career - too many to mention.

Ursula Le Guin died on January 22, 2018, in Portland, Oregon.

Champions of Creativity

Walt Disney

Since next Monday marks the 115th birthday of Walt Disney, I've chosen that amazing man as the focus of Champions of Creativity today. He was an iconic pioneer in animation, the founder of one of the largest and best-known entertainment companies, and the creator of the Disneyland amusement parks. Walt Disney's imaginative films have entertained children and adults for decades. 

Walter Elias Disney was born on December 5, 1901 in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up loving to draw and took art classes as a boy. By the time he was eighteen he was already a commercial illustrator. Soon thereafter, he moved to Hollywood and began the Disney Studios with his brother Roy. In 1928 Walt Disney created Mickey Mouse - his most beloved creation - and was also the voice of the iconic cartoon.

Disney went on to create ground-breaking technical developments in cameras. That ultimately allowed him to produce such memorable movies as: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs; Fantasia; Pinocchio; Dumbo; Bambi; and later, in 1964, Mary Poppins, which won five Academy Awards.

By the time Walt Disney died of lung cancer on December 15, 1966 his Disney Studios had won 26 Academy Awards; two Golden Globe Awards; and an Emmy Award. Several of his films are included in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

Walt Disney left behind numerous informative and inspiring quotes. Here are just a few of my favorites:

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing."

"It's kind of fun to do the impossible."

"That's the trouble with the world. Too many people grow up."

"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."

"If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember that this whole thing started with a mouse."

"That's what we storytellers do. We restore order with imagination. We instill hope again and again and again."

Pictured with my husband, son, & daughter-in-law.

I had a wonderful time in the Magic Kingdom last summer!

Champions of Creativity

Photo Credit: Public Domain

R. L. Stine

It seems appropriate to feature the author who has been called "the Stephen King of Children's Literature" during this Halloween month. R. L. Stine is a true Champion of Creativity, in part since he has worn so many creative hats: American novelist, children's book author, short story writer, T.V. producer, screenwriter, executive editor, & actor, to name just of few!

His Twitter bio probably describes him best: My job: to terrify kids!
(You can follow Mr. Stine on Twitter at: @RL_Stine.)

Robert Lawrence Stine was born on October 8, 1943 in Columbus, Ohio to Jewish parents. When he was nine-years-old, he began writing after discovering a typewriter in his family's attic. Following his graduation from Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in writing.

I'd say it worked out pretty well for Mr. Stine - he has sold over 400 million books. (Any author who gets that many children to read books is a champion!) He has also been honored with numerous awards in his long career as a best-selling author. One of his most familiar and successful children's book series - Goosebumps - went on to become a popular television series, and in 2015 a feature film starring Jack Black, with a cameo appearance by R. L. himself. Mr. Stine's freaky & frightening books have made a profound impact on American culture.

Young Scrooge: A Very Scary Christmas Story is his most recently released book for children, and it's just in time for the holidays!

Click here to visit the spooky website of R. L. Stine.

Happy birthday, Mr. Stine!

Champions of Creativity

Richard Scarry

This iconic children's book author/illustrator was important in my young life, as well as the lives of my children. Tomorrow would have marked his 97th birthday, so Richard Scarry is a Champion today.


Richard Scarry was born in Boston, MA, on June 5, 1919 and was raised in a stable middle-class family - his father owned a small shop. After high school graduation he enrolled in a business college, but soon discovered it wasn't his cup of tea. He dropped out, and entered the Boston Museum of Fine Arts School where he excelled. However, with the onset of World War II he left school to join the US Army.

After the war he returned home and began doing artwork for several magazines, and even illustrated a few children's books by Margaret Wise, Kathryn Jackson, and Patricia Murphy - who he married in 1948. In the 1950's Golden Books began publishing his work, and that's when his career really took off. Images of two of his early books:

Written & Illustrated by Richard Scarry

Written by Jane Werner - Illustrated by Richard Scarry

The fact that I learned to read at a young age on Golden Books is a subject I've blogged about before here on Writ of Whimsy. However, at that time I was paying homage to my maternal grandmother for her role in my becoming a bookworm. Today, I am honoring one of the all-time heroes of children's books. Richard Scarry had a true love for words, which he used in a wonderful way in his stories. His illustrations are some of the most creative and beloved of all-time. His books became best-sellers with the release of Richard Scarry's Best Word Book Ever in 1963. Mr. Scarry's books spawned dozens of toys, videos, and even a television show. During his career he had over
300 books published making over 100 million dollars worldwide.

A cherished copy of one of the Golden Books by Richard Scarry that I read to my three sons.

                    
Few authors of children's books have been in touch with the heart of a child like Richard Scarry. When asked how old he was, he would always put up one hand and laugh, saying "five!"

Mr. Scarry died on April 30, 1994, in Gstaad, Switzerland, where he'd lived since 1972. He left an extraordinary legacy for children. Among his many accolades Richard Scarry was posthumously recognized with a Lifetime Award from The Society of Illustrators in 2012.

Champions of Creativity

Hans Christian Andersen

The fairy tales written by Hans Christian Andersen are among some of my very favorites, including: The Snow Queen, The Little Match Girl, and The Princess and the Pea, to name just a few. Since last Saturday marked the birthday of the iconic children's author, today his life is the focus of Champions of Creativity.
Photo Credit: Christian Albrecht Jensen - H.C. Andersen 1836

Hans Christian Andersen was born in Odense, Denmark on April 2, 1805, he was an only child. He grew up in a family that was not wealthy, nonetheless, his father introduced him to literature, and thanks to a grant, Hans later attended schools for privileged children.

His father died in 1816, and two years later Hans left for Copenhagen to study theatre after being told he had a lovely voice. Unfortunately, his voice soon changed and any hopes of an acting career faded away. However, an acting colleague told Hans he considered him to be a poet, so the young man turned his focus onto writing, a choice that was to positively affect children's literature forever.

Through 1835-1837 H. C. Andersen had his first Fairy Tales published. While they were not initially recognized, he was on his way as an author. Soon after that he traveled to Sweden, and was so taken with "Scandinavism" (the relatedness of Swedes, Danes, & Norwegians) that he wrote a poem entitled: I Am a Scandinavian.

He was to make many travels throughout his life, all of them had an impact on his writing. In 1847 he traveled to England and there met Charles Dickens. He said, "I was so happy to see and speak to England's now living writer, whom I love the most." Both authors had a passion for children of the underclass, and also those souls whose lives were being negatively affected by the Industrial Revolution.

In the spring of 1872 Hans Christian Andersen had a severe fall and never fully recovered. He also developed what is believed to have been cancer of the liver. He died on August 4, 1875 in the home of close friends in Copenhagen.

It is a widely held belief that he influenced such authors as Kenneth Grahame, Beatrix Potter, A. A. Milne, and C. S. Lewis with his storytelling technique of bringing inanimate objects to life.
Hans Christian Andersen wrote dozens of stories and poems by the end of his seventy years, many of which have been put to music or made into film or stage productions. As recently as 2013 the Walt Disney Animation Studios produced Frozen, which initially was to be based on The Snow Queen, but which was altered so much that the finished film bore little or no resemblance to Andersen's original story.

Copenhagen, Denmark

The iconic and accomplished Danish author has been honored in numerous cities around the world with beautiful monuments and sculptures. One way Hans Christian Andersen's talent, passion, and commitment to children's literature is remembered is by the award that bears his name: The Hans Christian Andersen Award - it is the highest international recognition given to an author and an illustrator of children's books. (Click on the link to view this year's recent winners.)

Champions of Creativity

Kenneth Grahame

While so many books have inspired and influenced me over the years, the children's classic The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame, is by far the one that most touched me as a child and later, as a writer. For that reason Grahame is the focus of Champions of Creativity today.
(I know that Mole, Ratty, Mr. Toad, and Badger would be pleased that their creator is being remembered so close to his birthday!)

Kenneth Grahame was born on March 8, 1859 in Edinburgh Scotland. He, his parents, and siblings lived in Inveraray near the shore of Loch Fyne in the Scottish Highlands. When Kenneth was five his mother died due to complications in childbirth. It was at that time that the boy's alcoholic father sent the children to live with their maternal grandmother in Cookham Berkshire in England.

The setting was idyllic with the nearby River Thames and Quarry Woods, and was to become the inspiration for Mr. Grahame's most famous children's book: The Wind in the Willows. Kenneth spent much of his childhood exploring the grounds and fishing with his uncle, David Ingles, thus learning about boating, as well as the animal life in the river. He attended St. Edward's School in Oxford, where he had the freedom to not only explore the quaint city, but also its countryside.

Kenneth longed to attend Oxford University, but due to lack of funds was unable to do so. He went to work at the Bank of England in 1879. He met Elspeth Thomson and was married in 1899; they had a son, Alistair, the following year. While still working at the bank, he wrote several light stories, one of which was The Reluctant Dragon. It was while Alistair was a young boy that Mr. Grahame told his son the story that was to later become a children's classic. Mr. Grahame retired from the bank as its Secretary and returned to the countryside of Cookham, Berkshire where he finally wrote down The Wind in the Willows. His son, Alistair, later attended Oxford University, and while he was an undergraduate committed suicide just before his twentieth birthday.

Kenneth Grahame died on July 6, 1932 in his beloved Berkshire.
His epitaph reads: "To the beautiful memory of Kenneth Grahame, husband of Elspeth and father of Alastair, who passed the river on the 6th of July, 1932, leaving childhood and literature through him the more blest for all time."

The life of Kenneth Grahame is extremely inspiring to me. The fact that he was able to become a successful writer without ever attending a university, and while working at the Bank of England, seems to reflect his perseverance to pursue his passion. Millions of readers around the world - of all ages - are fortunate that Grahame put pen & ink to paper.

Champions of Creativity

               Charles Dickens

Earlier this month marked the 204th birthday of Charles Dickens. He is famous for writing such books as A Tale of Two Cities, A Christmas Carol, and Oliver Twist to name just a few. Since he is one of my all-time favorite authors, I've chosen him as the focus of Champions of Creativity today.

Charles John Huffam Dickens was born on February 7, 1812 in Portsmouth, England. Charles was the second of eight children born to John and Elizabeth Dickens. Mr. Dickens worked for the Royal Navy pay office and was transferred several times, thus, the family later lived in London, Sheerness, and then in Chatham, in the county of Kent.

Charles enjoyed playing out of doors, but he also loved to read. Two of his favorite books were: Robinson Crusoe and The Arabian Nights. Up to the age of eleven, his life appears to have been quite happy. In 1824 Mr. Dickens was transferred back to London, leaving behind debts - due to the family living beyond their means. John Dickens was subsequently sent to debtors' prison in Southwark, London by his creditors. Since the practice at that time was for a prisoner's family to live nearby, Charles ended up boarding with a variety of colorful characters. It was at this time that the twelve-year-old boy was forced to leave school and work at Warren's Blacking warehouse (which manufactured boot polish) to pay for his room and board, and to help support the family. The conditions were horrible, and it is believed - and quite rightfully so - that the strenuous, and often harsh working conditions put upon the young Charles influenced not only his later writings, but his socio-economic and political views as well.

A few months after the imprisonment of Mr. Dickens, Charles's father inherited a large sum of money. That allowed him to pay off his debts, and he and his family moved into the home of a family friend. However, Mrs. Dickens felt that there was no hurry for Charles to leave his work. His mother's lack of desire to see her son join them was to forever leave a mark on him, and how he felt towards women. Charles was sent to Wellington House Academy where he remained until 1827.

Upon leaving school, he went to work as a clerk in a law office, and subsequently entered the world of writing by penning political pieces and sketches. Later, some of those were published as the famous Pickwick Papers, which while they were not successful at first, they later became quite popular.

In 1836 he married the daughter of a newspaper editor, Catherine Thomson Hogarth, after a one-year engagement. That same year he began writing his first novel, Oliver Twist - it was published in 1838. Charles and Catherine Dickens went on to have ten children.

Despite his lack of any real formal education, he accomplished much during his lifetime. He wrote 15 novels, five novellas, and hundreds of short stories & non-fiction articles. In addition to his writings he edited a weekly journal for over 20 years, and  constantly lectured & performed (he was a great mimic). He also campaigned tirelessly for children's rights, education, and other social reforms throughout his life.

On June 8, 1870, Dickens suffered a stroke after a full day of writing; he died the next day. While his desire had been to have a very simple burial, he was laid to rest in Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey in London amongst other famous writers, historians, and scholars.

Charles Dickens has been honored in countless ways in England, and abroad. His numerous novels remain quite popular, and a few of them, including  A Christmas Carol, are regularly adapted to the stage. I'm sure that fact would have greatly pleased Dickens, since he loved the theater. Another popular novel by Dickens is The Old Curiosity Shop.

In July of 2014, I was lucky enough to visit this literary landmark. There is some debate as to whether or not this building was the inspiration for the novel by Dickens, or if it was built later. And, while it now houses a small shoe shop, it is still regarded as one of the oldest buildings in the Aldwych area. (I was a typical tourist on our visit to historic London!)

Champions of Creativity

 

               Astrid Lindgren

For some time now I've wanted to feature a post about this iconic and enormously inspirational children's author. Like so many children, I grew up reading Pippi Longstocking books, and loved them. However, it wasn't until I was an adult - and learned of Ms. Lindgren's personal life - that I became a true fan not only of her work, but of her life. Since tomorrow marks her birthday, today is a good time for this post.


When I began to seriously research Astrid Lindgren's life, I quickly discovered a wonderful website dedicated to everything about the author. So much so, that any attempt on my part to honor her would pale in comparison. Therefore, I'll just tell you why she's been so inspirational to me. (That website's link is at the bottom of this post.)

As I mentioned above, Astrid (Ericcson) Lindgren was born on November 14, 1907, on a farm in Nas, near Vimmerby, Sweden.

Astrid Lindgren's childhood home.

The Ericcson family home is still intact and is open for guided tours year-round.The Lindgren family recently announced that Astrid's Stockholm apartment (where she wrote Pippi Longstocking) will also be open to the public - as a museum - beginning tomorrow. Click here.

After Astrid Lindgren graduated from school she found employment at a newspaper in Vimmerby. She was in a relationship with the editor, and then became pregnant in 1926. Although the man proposed marriage, Ms. Lindgren declined. She moved to Stockholm, became a typist and a stenographer, and soon thereafter gave birth to a son - Lars - in Copenhagen, Denmark, leaving him in the care of a foster family. She continued to work in Stockholm, and although she made very little money, spent most of her weekends traveling to Copenhagen to see her son. Eventually she was able to bring Lars home to live with her in Stockholm. She married Sture Lindgren in 1931 and three years later had a daughter - Karin. Like so many authors before her, Ms. Lindgren made up a story for her daughter when the child was sick - that story was Pippi Longstocking. The book went on to be translated into sixty languages, and is still a popular classic today. Astrid Lindgren wrote numerous other books, essays, and magazine articles. She also received many prestigious literary awards during her lifetime.

Astrid Lindgren was well known both for her support for children's and animal rights and for her opposition to corporal punishment. In 1994, she received the Right Livelihood Award, "...For her commitment to justice, non-violence and understanding of minorities as well as her love and caring for nature."

Throughout her life Astrid Lindgren strove to make good decisions, even when it was difficult to do so...and would require a sacrifice on her part. I think that's what I admire most about the amazing woman. Before her death on January 28, 2002 she was nearly blind.

(Click here for the link I promised to the website on Astrid Lindgren.)

A childhood without books - that would be no childhood at all. That would be like being shut out from the enchanted place where you can go and find the rarest kind of joy.  ~ Astrid Lindgren


Champions of Creativity

   Lewis Carroll

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, so today I'm focusing on the author of that beloved children's classic.

Charles Lutwidge Dodgson was born on January 27, 1832; he was later known to millions as Lewis Carroll. The Englishman wore many hats in his lifetime, including: author, poet, mathematician, logician, photographer, and deacon in the Anglican Church.

Carroll was from a family that included a long line of clergymen. He was educated at home; as a testament to his gifted intellect, he read such books as Pilgrim's Progress at the age of seven! He wrote poems and short stories as a young person, and was a gifted storyteller and mimic as a young adult - even though he struggled with a stammer.

Lewis Carroll was later educated at Oxford University receiving a degree in mathematics and first-class honors - placing first in his class. He became a Mathematical Lecturer at Christ Church/Oxford which gave him a certain amount of financial security. In 1856 Henry Liddell became the new dean at Christ Church; Carroll was to become close with the dean, his wife, and their three daughters: Lorina, Edith, and Alice. (It has been debated for decades whether or not young Alice Liddell was the inspiration for the protagonist in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, even though late in his life Lewis Carroll denied that his character was based on any real child.)

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland was published in 1865 and became an overnight sensation. It brought Carroll fame, and with it, significant changes to his life - such as receiving loads of letters from adoring fans of the book. Even Queen Victoria was quite taken with the novel.

One of Lewis Carroll's own illustrations of Alice.

In 1871, a sequel - Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There - was published. That darker story also includes Carroll's famous poem: Jabberwocky.

Throughout his life Mr. Carroll juggled the roles of author, mathematician, poet, logician, and photographer. Amidst these endeavors he unfortunately dealt with migraine headaches and "seizures," according to his personal journal.

Lewis Carroll died on January 14, 1898 of pneumonia, following influenza. He was 66 years old. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland became extremely influential in popular culture and literature - especially in the fantasy genre. Carroll's children's classic has been translated into 174 languages, and has never been out of print.

"One of the secrets of life is that all that is really worth the doing is what we do for others." Lewis Carroll

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This past summer I was lucky enough to find this rare copy of both stories by Lewis Carroll in an antique store on the Oregon Coast. It seemed fitting that this edition was published in 1915 - fifty years after the first book was published, and exactly one hundred years ago.

Since my current novel in progress includes a secondary character obsessed with Alice in Wonderland, I just had to buy this book. Research, right?

Champions of Creativity

         Beatrix Potter

As a writer I draw great inspiration from the life of the bestselling author-illustrator, Beatrix Potter. She, too, had a love and appreciation for animals and wildlife. 
And since it has been several months since I've written a Champions of Creativity post, I've chosen to feature the iconic creator of the beloved Peter Rabbit Books.
Photo Credit: Public Domain

Helen Beatrix Potter (28 July 1866 - 22 December 1943) was born in Kensington, London, to wealthy Unitarian parents. She and her younger brother Bertram kept numerous small animals as pets, and spent their summer holidays in Scotland, as well as the English Lake District. It was on these holidays that Beatrix developed a love of the natural world which inspired her paintings from an early age.

She had little social contact with other children, which drew her into her own world where she created stories based on her pets, and other animals. Early on, she revealed her talent as a gifted artist, which led to her taking private art lessons. On her education, Beatrix later wrote:

"Thank goodness I was never sent to school; it would have rubbed off some of the originality."

Beatrix was privately educated by governesses until she was eighteen.
In addition to her drawings of  animals, she painted insects, fossils, artifacts, and fungi. She attempted to become a student at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, but was rejected due to her gender.

Ms. Potter was a strong and independent woman, and had no desire to be married and tied down to domestic life. That was quite unusual for a Victorian woman, and caused no small degree of disagreement between Beatrix and her mother. Beatrix remained single and stayed at home writing and drawing her stories - that combined her love for both animals and the English countryside - for many years.

After writing and illustrating The Tale of Peter Rabbit, she privately published it in 1901; it was later published by Frederick Warne & Co.

Beatrix Potter was engaged to Norman Warne in 1906, but before they could marry Mr. Warne passed away. After his death, she moved to the Lakeland, where she lived at her previously purchased Hill Top farm in Sawry, Cumbria. She became devoted to conservation and farming. In 1913 she married William Heelis - she was forty-seven.

In her later life, the proceeds from her children's books allowed her to purchase substantial amounts of land in the Lake District. Upon her death, the land was donated to the National Trust, which helped preserve a significant part of the Lake District as a National Park.

What heaven can be more real than to retain the spirit-world of childhood, tempered and balanced by knowledge and common sense?
                                                                             ~ Beatrix Potter

Champions of Creativity

Photo Credit: Public Domain

       J. R. R. Tolkien

Since I enjoy writing light fantasy stories for children, I've chosen to feature the fantasy author J. R. R. Tolkien as today's focus of Champions of Creativity.
It would be difficult to imagine where the world of children's literature would be today had not Tolkien penned the immensely popular: The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings.



John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was born on January 3, 1892 in Bloemfontein, South Africa to English parents. By the age of twelve he had lost both his parents to disease and lived with relatives in England.

Tolkien was a professor of Anglo-Saxon and English Language and Literature at Oxford University from 1925 to 1959. While at Oxford, he became friends with C. S. Lewis; both gifted writers belonged to a discussion group at the university called the Inklings.

Throughout his life Tolkien was enthralled with all sorts of languages, and even invented and then constructed several. The prolific writer and academic also penned numerous poems.

In 1972 Queen Elizabeth II knighted the iconic British author.
In 2008 The Times ranked Tolkien sixth on a list of The 50 greatest British writers since 1945.

J. R. R. Tolkien died on September 2, 1973.

If you're a Tolkien fan, click here to see the movie trailer for The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies coming to theaters this December.

Champions of Creativity

    Lauren Bacall

One of the last giants of Hollywood's Golden Age passed away on Tuesday.
Lauren Bacall was a legendary actress, a fashion icon, and an award-winning author.

Photo Credit: Public Domain

Betty Joan Perske was born on September 16, 1924 in New York City, the only child of Jewish immigrant parents.

She met Humphrey Bogart in 1944 on the set of her first movie, "To Have and Have Not" at the age of nineteen. The next year Ms. Bacall and Mr. Bogart were married. For many years they were the toast of tinseltown and were known simply as "Bogie and Bacall."

Her career in motion pictures was one of great achievement; she was one of the elite movie stars of her time. Ms. Bacall was ranked #20 of the 25 actresses on the AFI's 100 years...100 Stars list, and in 2009 she was awarded an Honorary Academy Award.

Lauren Bacall's first memoir, "By Myself" was published in 1978 for which she won a National Book Award. Another memoir, "Now"  was published in 1994, and her final book, "By Myself and Then Some" was published in 2005. Of writing, the extraordinary woman once remarked, "Writing a book is the most complete experience I've ever had."

Lauren Bacall also once said, "I prefer to prevail." Indeed she shall, in the marvelous motion pictures and memoirs she left behind.

Champions of Creativity

   C. S. Lewis

When I reflect on the numerous authors who have not only influenced my life as a writer, but as a person,
C. S. Lewis would be near the top of the long list.


Clive Staples Lewis was born on November 29, 1898 in Belfast, Ireland. He was known as C. S. Lewis, but was called "Jack" amongst his family and friends. Mr. Lewis was an author, poet, literary critic, and lay theologian. He was best known for penning the Chronicles of Narnia, Screwtape Letters, and Mere Christianity.

Since C. S. Lewis and fellow author J. R. R. Tolkien both served on the English faculty at Oxford University, they became close friends.

The works of C. S. Lewis have been translated into more than thirty languages and have sold millions of copies. The Chronicles of Narnia are by far his most popular books. He died on November 22, 1963 - the same day that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

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I selected the above photo of the iconic author with that particular quote, because those words have inspired me time and time again. Becoming a published author is my second profession after a long career as a dental hygienist, and there were times that I wondered: why not just forget about this "writing business" and take it easy?

However, my love of literature, children's books in particular, seemed to steer me toward the path of publication. My passions to read, and to write, and to grow have found a garden to germinate in within the world of children's books. There is no age limit on creativity. In the words of Aslan, from The Chronicles of Narnia - Prince Caspian,
"You doubt your value. Don't run from who you are."

Due to the release of my debut book for children this fall, The Scandinavian Santa, I recently had an author website designed. At the bottom of its "Welcome" page there is another quote from C. S. Lewis: "We read to know that we are not alone."

If you, too, are a fan of C. S. Lewis, check out this link!

Champions of Creativity

Public Domain Photo

   Louisa May Alcott

Like so many young girls, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, was one of the very first substantive novels I ever read. Since the literary icon's life was so inspiring and extraordinary - and since today is the anniversary of her birth - I have chosen Louisa May Alcott for the subject of this week's blog posting of Champions of Creativity.

Louisa May Alcott was born on November 29, 1832, in Germantown, Pennsylvania and was the second of her parents' four daughters. Amos Bronson Alcott was a teacher and transcendentalist, while Louisa's mother, Abigail May, was a social worker. The Alcott family moved to Boston in 1938 where Amos Alcott established an experimental school. Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Nathaniel Hawthorne were not only some of Louisa's educators, they were also friends of the Alcott family. The family suffered through constant poverty and multiple changes in residence which pushed Louisa to go to work at an early age. She worked as a seamstress, governess, teacher, and writer. Writing became a method for the young girl to cope with the emotional stress in her life, and at the age of seventeen she wrote her first book, Flower Fables.

As an adult, Ms. Alcott was an abolitionist, a feminist, and during the Civil War, she served as a nurse. Although Louisa May Alcott wrote numerous books and poems, it is Little Women that is most definitely her lasting legacy. The novel's protagonist, Jo - who is loosely based on the author, has touched and inspired generations of young girls and women. At a time that was known as The Gilded Age, Little Women gave young girls a reason to read, and even dream, of a different kind of life in a way that they never had before. Louisa May Alcott also became active in the women's suffrage movement, writing for "The Woman's Journal," where she encouraged women to register to vote.

The legendary American author lived this extraordinary life while battling bouts of depression and was never married. Louisa May Alcott died on March 8, 1888, in Boston, and is buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord, Massachusetts. She rests in peace on a hillside known as "Authors Ridge," near Emerson, Thoreau, and Hawthorne.

To view the Orchard House, where Louisa May Alcott wrote Little Women, click here: http://www.louisamayalcott.org/alcottorchard.html

Champions of Creativity

Public Domain Photo

        Tasha Tudor

In an attempt to keep my blog relevant (when I have nothing new to share), I've decided to periodically substitute "Champions of Creativity" for my normal Friday meme of Storyteller's Journey. Each post will include a short biography of a famous author, illustrator, poet, or other creative who has inspired me on my path as a writer.
For the first post in this new meme, I immediately thought of the legendary Tasha Tudor.

Ms. Tudor was an award-winning illustrator and author who was born on August 28, 1915, in Boston, Massachusetts to two talented New Englanders. Her father, W. Starling Burgess was a naval architect, while her mother, Rosamund Tudor, was a noted portrait painter. In social circles Natasha was usually introduced as, Rosamund Tudor's daughter. She liked the sound of Tasha Tudor so much, that later in her life she had her name legally changed.

I discovered Ms. Tudor's illustrative work many years ago in the books, The Secret Garden, and A Little Princess - both by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Her whimsical water color illustrations made those classic stories come to life for me as a young girl. However, Tasha Tudor is also known for her Caldecott Honors for the books: Mother Goose in 1945, and 1 is One in 1957. Two of my personal favorites, with text and illustrations by Ms. Tudor are: Corgiville Fair and Corgiville Christmas - they are both just delightful.

Although her impressive professional accomplishments are to be admired, it is Ms. Tudor's personal life that I find so fascinating. As an adult she lived on a storybook farm with goats, chickens, and Corgi dogs; and maintained a garden full of herbs, flowers, and vegetables. She used fruit that had been picked from the trees on her bucolic property to make pies on her wood stove. Tasha Tudor chose to dress in clothes styled for the 19th century that she handcrafted herself. She even carried a homemade willow basket when she went to the market - she must have been quite a gal!

By the time Tasha Tudor died on June 18, 2008 in Marlboro, Vermont, she had illustrated over 100 books and had received the Regina Medal for her contributions to children's literature. Her books, prints, calendars, and Christmas cards are now highly collectible items.

To view samples of  Tasha Tudor's amazing artwork, click here.