Kiri Jorgensen - Writing for Kids
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Shout-Out to Writing Mentors:  Elaine M. Alphin

8/24/2012

 
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    Every writer needs support and guidance as they are learning to hone their craft and navigate the world of publishing.  I wrote for several years before I found my current writers group, and with it some wonderful mentors.  I never knew what I was missing!  One of those mentors is Elaine Marie Alphin.
    Elaine joined our writers group not long after I did.  She is a passionate children's writer with more than 30 books under her belt, and numerous awards, including the Edgar Allan Poe Award for mystery for her book Counterfeit Son.  Elaine took me under her wing.  She spent hours discussing my stories with me, offering suggestions and critiques, but always in a strong, positive way.  She helped me see my writing in new ways.  She worked with me during writers group time, in the car on the way to conferences, over gyros for lunch, and by email and phone chats.  She taught me what it means to truly live your writing. 
    Elaine also taught many other people.  She traveled extensively for school visits, SCBWI Conference presentations, and writers retreat collaboration.  I brought Elaine into my school where I teach, and she worked with me and the entire student body to write our own mystery.  The kids actually wrote a mystery novel, with each grade level providing a chapter.  This was an amazing project that inspired the writing of countless kids.
    A little over a year ago, Elaine suffered a massive stroke that has left her physically unable to write.  She is in the process of rebuilding brain neuron pathways to hopefully bring her passion back.  
    I imagine there are probably thousands of writers out there who also claim Elaine as their writing mentor, but I claim her special.  I'm so grateful for her teaching, her guidance, her knowledge, and her friendship.  Here's a shout-out to you, Elaine! 
   

Janet Fox link
8/24/2012 02:01:57 pm

This is lovely, Kiri, and so true. I know Elaine will be most pleased.

Maurene link
8/24/2012 02:14:48 pm

Wonderful post, Kiri!

Bailey Jorgensen
8/24/2012 03:33:40 pm

Great post! :)

Nancy Sondel link
5/13/2014 08:58:27 am

I have deeply appreciated Elaine Marie Alphin over the years, through her publications and through personal contact re: writing projects. Thus, in her honor, I am setting up a scholarship fund for my October 2014 TeenSpeak Novel Workshop -- the teen program in an intergenerational seminar for teens and the adults who write for them.

Faculty includes a top NY editor and agent on our CA coast; we will highlight Elaine in several ways. Details forthcoming, and/or send a message via our web contact form ("About"). I believe Elaine's contributions are enduring, and add my fervent wish to those who are cheering for her in this long, difficult path to recovery. Gratitude and blessings!

Nancy Sondel link
5/13/2014 09:11:47 am

Kiri -- I filled out your "contact me" form, and it did not submit. Please email me so I can send you the message! Thanks. :-)

Cindy Mowen
8/21/2014 03:40:13 am

The soul and spirit of Elaine Marie Alphin now soars with the eagles. She passed away 19 August 2014


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    Writing for children is a passion - along with reading kid's books, writing plays for kids, and teaching kids how to write!

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