The Fort - a new book for kids of all ages
Laura Perdew
May 6, 2020
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Dear Laura,
How do you define your relationship with writing? Is it your superpower? Is it a struggle you can never put to rest? Or is it a lifelong love story? For me, writing is a lifelong love story, complete with the usual challenges, break-ups, and successes of any relationship. As a kid, I loved to write stories. Then in middle and high school writing became a chore, confined by the parameters of teachers’ assignments. In college, I found I was quite good at writing essays and much preferred those assignments over tests and exams. But after college I didn’t write for a long time. It wasn’t until I started teaching middle school that I |
Photo: courtesy of the artist |
rediscovered my passion for writing as I modeled the process for my students. That’s when I began to pursue writing for children. Yet even then, there were times where I questioned myself; I came close to quitting a few times. But the truth is, I can’t quit! I am addicted to writing!
What inspires you to write, in general? How about in today’s reality?
I’m not entirely sure where my passion for writing comes from. It’s simply part of who I am. I very much enjoy the art of creating something with words and the challenge of crafting those words to tell the best possible story. I also have a notebook full of ideas, some of which pester me until I write their story. In today’s reality, writing is a way for me to escape. Not only does it allow me to spend time in imagined worlds with new characters, but it also helps me recapture a sense of normalcy and enjoy the emotional lift that I get from writing.
The Fort, your new book, was released on April 21st. Congrats! Tell us something more about the message this book conveys?
The Fort was released only a few days ago. From the very first draft many years ago, the heart of this book was about the magic of a fort. What kid doesn’t love a fort, whether it’s found or built, inside or outside? As a kid, I loved them myself. Just as importantly, the story is about the power of imagination as well as compromise. Our imagination can take us on amazing adventures; going on those adventures with a friend is even better.
Why do you think kids and their parents will like reading The Fort?
I believe that kids and families will enjoy reading this because forts are universally appealing. And, of course, having a fort of your own to imagine into anything you want is also immensely powerful. I also hope that this story will inspire kids to create their own forts. Maybe they will draw one and tell a story about the adventures it takes them on. Perhaps families will pull out sheets and blankets and make a BIG mess in their home as they create a fort together. Or maybe kids will find an outdoor space with a fort they can envision as something new.
You’re also a nature lover. What’s one piece of advice do you have for parents and kids who are glued to screens while in quarantine?
Build a fort!
Certainly, technology has made everyone’s quarantine easier. Even the screen time hours in my home are greater than usual. And yet there are limits (much to my kids’ dismay). Even in non-quarantine times, screen limits are essential for social, emotional, and physical well-being. That goes for kids as well as adults. This is a great opportunity for families to come together to play games, dance, draw, paint, play music, and cook together. If you are able to get outside, don a mask and take a walk together. Whatever you do – disconnect and be together.
We have a campaign titled #WhatMatters. According to you, what matters most in these times of uncertainty?
I think what matters most is different for every person. And during this extended quarantine, it is time to truly assess what that means for us.
For me, the health and safety of family and friends tops the list. Yet I’ve also come to realize that spending quality in-person time with those closest to me is also dearly important.
This is also a time to appreciate what we do have. These days that focus, letting all other pieces of a normally busy life fall away, is what keeps me motivated. I know that this will end. Sometime. The uncertainty of it is difficult some days. Paralyzing on other days. And just plain frustrating most of the time. Yet seeing a way forward, while we are stuck at a stand-still, helps me to persevere.
Can you share with us a story that has brought light to you these days? Maybe you have witnessed something that has happened in your city that makes you believe that we will come out of this pandemic stronger?
There have been so many amazing stories, starting on the front lines. I’ve also loved seeing orchestras come together to perform virtually. Choirs too. I’ve laughed at the many funny and creative things people have posted to make us laugh during these hard times. The list goes on.
In addition, I’ve been amazed by the response from the kidlit community. Authors, illustrators, and publishers have all come together to continue making books accessible to kids. Publishers have relaxed some of their rules about sharing content online. Authors are doing virtual read alouds with activities to help engage kids. And illustrators are posting activities that help teach students about creating illustrations and cartoons.
The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) also launched a Digital Directory for Remote Learning Resources that includes a wide variety of activities and lessons for a wide audience; these resources have all been created by published SCBWI members. I am proud to say that I am part of the SCBWI community that has also supported me on my writing journey.
What upcoming project are you looking forward to once we resume our normal activities?
I’m lucky that I’m still able to write during this time, though some days are more challenging than others, especially because my in-home “office” is now also occupied by the rest of my family.
But what I’m looking forward to most once we resume our normal activities isn’t a project – it’s a long hike in the mountains! Being outside surrounded by nature is always both inspiring and uplifting.
What inspires you to write, in general? How about in today’s reality?
I’m not entirely sure where my passion for writing comes from. It’s simply part of who I am. I very much enjoy the art of creating something with words and the challenge of crafting those words to tell the best possible story. I also have a notebook full of ideas, some of which pester me until I write their story. In today’s reality, writing is a way for me to escape. Not only does it allow me to spend time in imagined worlds with new characters, but it also helps me recapture a sense of normalcy and enjoy the emotional lift that I get from writing.
The Fort, your new book, was released on April 21st. Congrats! Tell us something more about the message this book conveys?
The Fort was released only a few days ago. From the very first draft many years ago, the heart of this book was about the magic of a fort. What kid doesn’t love a fort, whether it’s found or built, inside or outside? As a kid, I loved them myself. Just as importantly, the story is about the power of imagination as well as compromise. Our imagination can take us on amazing adventures; going on those adventures with a friend is even better.
Why do you think kids and their parents will like reading The Fort?
I believe that kids and families will enjoy reading this because forts are universally appealing. And, of course, having a fort of your own to imagine into anything you want is also immensely powerful. I also hope that this story will inspire kids to create their own forts. Maybe they will draw one and tell a story about the adventures it takes them on. Perhaps families will pull out sheets and blankets and make a BIG mess in their home as they create a fort together. Or maybe kids will find an outdoor space with a fort they can envision as something new.
You’re also a nature lover. What’s one piece of advice do you have for parents and kids who are glued to screens while in quarantine?
Build a fort!
Certainly, technology has made everyone’s quarantine easier. Even the screen time hours in my home are greater than usual. And yet there are limits (much to my kids’ dismay). Even in non-quarantine times, screen limits are essential for social, emotional, and physical well-being. That goes for kids as well as adults. This is a great opportunity for families to come together to play games, dance, draw, paint, play music, and cook together. If you are able to get outside, don a mask and take a walk together. Whatever you do – disconnect and be together.
We have a campaign titled #WhatMatters. According to you, what matters most in these times of uncertainty?
I think what matters most is different for every person. And during this extended quarantine, it is time to truly assess what that means for us.
For me, the health and safety of family and friends tops the list. Yet I’ve also come to realize that spending quality in-person time with those closest to me is also dearly important.
This is also a time to appreciate what we do have. These days that focus, letting all other pieces of a normally busy life fall away, is what keeps me motivated. I know that this will end. Sometime. The uncertainty of it is difficult some days. Paralyzing on other days. And just plain frustrating most of the time. Yet seeing a way forward, while we are stuck at a stand-still, helps me to persevere.
Can you share with us a story that has brought light to you these days? Maybe you have witnessed something that has happened in your city that makes you believe that we will come out of this pandemic stronger?
There have been so many amazing stories, starting on the front lines. I’ve also loved seeing orchestras come together to perform virtually. Choirs too. I’ve laughed at the many funny and creative things people have posted to make us laugh during these hard times. The list goes on.
In addition, I’ve been amazed by the response from the kidlit community. Authors, illustrators, and publishers have all come together to continue making books accessible to kids. Publishers have relaxed some of their rules about sharing content online. Authors are doing virtual read alouds with activities to help engage kids. And illustrators are posting activities that help teach students about creating illustrations and cartoons.
The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) also launched a Digital Directory for Remote Learning Resources that includes a wide variety of activities and lessons for a wide audience; these resources have all been created by published SCBWI members. I am proud to say that I am part of the SCBWI community that has also supported me on my writing journey.
What upcoming project are you looking forward to once we resume our normal activities?
I’m lucky that I’m still able to write during this time, though some days are more challenging than others, especially because my in-home “office” is now also occupied by the rest of my family.
But what I’m looking forward to most once we resume our normal activities isn’t a project – it’s a long hike in the mountains! Being outside surrounded by nature is always both inspiring and uplifting.
