In conversation with Fred Bowen
| It was a gift to meet Fred and have a conversation. We share a couple of things, like coaching our kids little league teams. In all honesty, he did a lot more of it than I did. We also share a love of old sports books for kids -- The Chip Hilton Sport Series by Clair Bee and the collection of books by John Tunis. Not so mention some of the current writers of YA and children's sports books. I loved discussing how Fred deviated from time to time from practicing the law to writing children's book. I am always amazed that that people manage to keep two careers going. Join us for the conversation. |  |
Steven and Fred Bowen discussed the author's extensive career in writing sports-themed books for young readers, their experiences with sports and their importance in children's lives, and the importance of promoting one's work. They also celebrated the success of their books in libraries and discussed the challenges of the publishing industry, the importance of hard work and dedication in sports, and their experiences with writing and the legal profession. Lastly, they touched on the upcoming release of Fred Bowen book Extra Innings and about the importance of accepting one's limitations, and the significance of promoting young people's literature.
Fred Bowen's Sports Stories and Children's Literature
Steven and Fred Bowen discussed the author's extensive career in writing sports-themed books for young readers, particularly the Fred Bowen Sports Story Series. Bowen also shared his experience writing for the Washington Post for almost 23 years before the discontinuation of the kids' page. The pair explored the evolution of children's literature, noting that many classic children's books were originally written for adults and later adapted for younger readers. Furthermore, they highlighted the differences in language and content across generations and the enduring appeal of certain classic series.
Steven and Fred Bowen discussed the author's extensive career in writing sports-themed books for young readers, particularly the Fred Bowen Sports Story Series. Bowen also shared his experience writing for the Washington Post for almost 23 years before the discontinuation of the kids' page. The pair explored the evolution of children's literature, noting that many classic children's books were originally written for adults and later adapted for younger readers. Furthermore, they highlighted the differences in language and content across generations and the enduring appeal of certain classic series.
Discussing the Importance of Sports in Children's Lives
Steven and Fred Bowen discussed their experiences with sports and their importance in children's lives. Fred shared his experiences coaching youth sports teams, including his son's first-grade soccer team, while Steven talked about his time coaching high school soccer. They both emphasized that the focus should be on skill development and personal growth, rather than competition and winning. A study was cited that found children value teamwork, exercise, and being with friends over winning, suggesting this as a primary consideration in children's sports.
Steven and Fred Bowen discussed their experiences with sports and their importance in children's lives. Fred shared his experiences coaching youth sports teams, including his son's first-grade soccer team, while Steven talked about his time coaching high school soccer. They both emphasized that the focus should be on skill development and personal growth, rather than competition and winning. A study was cited that found children value teamwork, exercise, and being with friends over winning, suggesting this as a primary consideration in children's sports.
Fred Bowen's Transition From Law to Writing
Steven and Fred Bowen discussed Fred Bowen's transition from practicing law to becoming a writer. Fred shared that his interest in writing was sparked during his marriage to a journalist and led to his first writing gig reviewing movies. However, after the birth of his son, he shifted focus to writing about sports, eventually leading to the creation of his first book, 'TJ's Secret Pitch'. With the help of his wife's connection with a publisher, Fred began a series of books combining sports fiction and sports history, which has become his focus in the publishing industry.
Steven and Fred Bowen discussed Fred Bowen's transition from practicing law to becoming a writer. Fred shared that his interest in writing was sparked during his marriage to a journalist and led to his first writing gig reviewing movies. However, after the birth of his son, he shifted focus to writing about sports, eventually leading to the creation of his first book, 'TJ's Secret Pitch'. With the help of his wife's connection with a publisher, Fred began a series of books combining sports fiction and sports history, which has become his focus in the publishing industry.
Promoting Writing and Connecting With Readers
Steven and Fred discussed the importance of promoting one's work, especially for introverted writers. Fred shared his experiences as an author and attorney, highlighting the value of school visits and presentations in connecting with readers. He also underscored the significance of practice and persistence in improving writing skills. Steven agreed, citing a student who continued writing despite early struggles and is now a successful poet and professor. They both underscored the role of considering one's audience in writing, as well as the benefits of simplifying complex ideas.
Steven and Fred discussed the importance of promoting one's work, especially for introverted writers. Fred shared his experiences as an author and attorney, highlighting the value of school visits and presentations in connecting with readers. He also underscored the significance of practice and persistence in improving writing skills. Steven agreed, citing a student who continued writing despite early struggles and is now a successful poet and professor. They both underscored the role of considering one's audience in writing, as well as the benefits of simplifying complex ideas.
Celebrating Books, Challenges in Publishing, and Boys' Reading
Steven and Fred celebrated the success of Fred's books in libraries, with combined sales of close to a million copies. They discussed the challenges of the publishing industry and the impact on an author's ability to continue writing. They also talked about the popularity of their books among elementary and middle school boys, and the concern over declining children's interest in reading between third and fifth grade, particularly among boys. Fred shared his experience with receiving fan mail from young readers, indicating that their books were being read in unexpected places and filling a gap between what teachers often promote and what boys prefer to read.
Steven and Fred celebrated the success of Fred's books in libraries, with combined sales of close to a million copies. They discussed the challenges of the publishing industry and the impact on an author's ability to continue writing. They also talked about the popularity of their books among elementary and middle school boys, and the concern over declining children's interest in reading between third and fifth grade, particularly among boys. Fred shared his experience with receiving fan mail from young readers, indicating that their books were being read in unexpected places and filling a gap between what teachers often promote and what boys prefer to read.
Pitching is Hard Work and Requires Dedication
Fred Bowen and Steven discussed the importance of hard work and dedication in sports, particularly in pitching. Fred shared insights from his son's experiences as a pitcher and head coach, emphasizing the need for athletes to develop their craft. They also touched on the challenges of not winning despite their best efforts. Additionally, they discussed the instance of Sandy Koufax, a legendary pitcher who learned the importance of controlling his pitches rather than trying to throw them as hard as possible.
Fred Bowen and Steven discussed the importance of hard work and dedication in sports, particularly in pitching. Fred shared insights from his son's experiences as a pitcher and head coach, emphasizing the need for athletes to develop their craft. They also touched on the challenges of not winning despite their best efforts. Additionally, they discussed the instance of Sandy Koufax, a legendary pitcher who learned the importance of controlling his pitches rather than trying to throw them as hard as possible.
Writing, Legal Profession, and Children's Literature
Steven and Fred Bowen discussed their experiences with writing and the legal profession. Fred shared his enjoyment of writing and his belief that writing legal briefs requires a high level of discipline. Steven, who initially considered a career in law before deciding to become an English teacher, spoke about the value of writing skills in the legal field. They also discussed the importance of storytelling in children's literature and the appeal of non-fiction for young adults. Steven recommended the book "The Enigma Girls" by Candace Fleming as an engaging and informative read.
Steven and Fred Bowen discussed their experiences with writing and the legal profession. Fred shared his enjoyment of writing and his belief that writing legal briefs requires a high level of discipline. Steven, who initially considered a career in law before deciding to become an English teacher, spoke about the value of writing skills in the legal field. They also discussed the importance of storytelling in children's literature and the appeal of non-fiction for young adults. Steven recommended the book "The Enigma Girls" by Candace Fleming as an engaging and informative read.
Fred Bowen's Book Plans and Sports Talk
Fred discussed the upcoming release of his book 'Extra Innings and his plans for a football book. He also emphasized the importance of accepting one's limitations and focusing on strengths, using personal anecdotes and references to athletes and musicians. Steven shared a teaching anecdote about group activities and highlighted the significance of supportive talent in successful teams. The discussion also touched on the internationalization of sports, with Fred mentioning the emergence of African players in the NBA. Lastly, they discussed promoting young people's literature and the importance of allowing children to develop a reading habit, expressing their hope for future collaborations.
Fred discussed the upcoming release of his book 'Extra Innings and his plans for a football book. He also emphasized the importance of accepting one's limitations and focusing on strengths, using personal anecdotes and references to athletes and musicians. Steven shared a teaching anecdote about group activities and highlighted the significance of supportive talent in successful teams. The discussion also touched on the internationalization of sports, with Fred mentioning the emergence of African players in the NBA. Lastly, they discussed promoting young people's literature and the importance of allowing children to develop a reading habit, expressing their hope for future collaborations.