My Dream: The Newbery Medal

For my first order of business, doesn't anyone want something made by me?

Secondly, I have, of late, been consumed by reading children's books. This is not only because I find children's literature insanely wonderful, but also because I've started working on my "great American (children's) novel." Now, don't laugh, but I plan to win the Newbery Medal, and I promise that I'll remember you all when I'm rich and famous. Leave a comment and I may even mention you on the Today Show when I'm interviewed by Matt Lauer.

Matt: "Rae, who was your greatest inspiration when writing this book?"
Me: "Normally people would say their significant other, but you know Matt, I'd have to say my blogger friends: ______, _______, _______, and ______. Their comments really kept me going."

In preparation for my great, award-winning work of fiction, I recently read two winners, The Graveyard Book, and The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread. I thought that perhaps I would gain some insight into the minds of children and maybe come up with some ideas for how to write engaging dialogue for my own main characters, but to my surprise I fell into these books with all the abandon of a 12 year old.

On Sunday evening I read The Tale of Despereaux in one sitting. I read through dinner (it's extremely difficult to eat nachos while holding a book), and I read through The Tudors, and although my husband begged me to turn out the light and go to sleep, I read far past bedtime. I just couldn't stop; I was like an addict. What was that mouse going to do next??? My heart ached to know the conclusion of the characters' stories. I kept telling myself, "One more word. That's all... one more page. No more than that. Well, maybe one more chapter..."

I read until my eyes were droopy, and finally, when the last page contained no more words, I was so sad that the story was over. I wanted more.

If you promise not to tell anyone, I'll tell you a secret..... I liked The Tale of Despereaux just as much as I liked *Harry Potter*. I may even have liked it more....

(I feel like I just committed a sin by admitting that.)

After reading these two stories, I'm certain that I have a lot of work ahead in order to win the Newbery Medal. Even if I don't win with this story, hopefully I can write something that has people begging to stay up in order to read one more page.

However, if I do win, I promise one great party. Consider that a bribe Newbery Medal judges.