In Conversation with Paul Greci
| When you are new to the ALAN Workshop it can be a bit difficult to know what to expect and to figure out how to navigate all of the events. This was especially true 20 years ago when there were author signs immediately after authors finished speaking. The ballrooms where big, full, and a bit intimidating. I can remember standing in an area near the back of the room thinking that I didn't know many people in the room at all. Glancing over to my right, I noticed another man, close to my age standing alone and looking a bit overwhelmed as well. Well, that was Paul. We were both attending our first or second ALAN workshop and struck up a conference friendship. I looked forward to seeing Paul every year. And now he is a published author of several YA books. Join our conversation. |  |
Summary
Steven and Paul reminisced about their past encounters and shared experiences, with Paul recounting his journey to Alaska and his transition from being an outdoor educator to a teacher at an alternative school. They also discussed Paul's writing journey, focusing on his experiences with the Wildlands and Bear Island, and his transition from teaching at an alternative school to teaching English Language Learners (ELL) at a high school. The conversation also touched on their career paths, retirement plans, and their writing processes and experiences.
Steven and Paul reminisced about their past encounters and shared experiences, with Paul recounting his journey to Alaska and his transition from being an outdoor educator to a teacher at an alternative school. They also discussed Paul's writing journey, focusing on his experiences with the Wildlands and Bear Island, and his transition from teaching at an alternative school to teaching English Language Learners (ELL) at a high school. The conversation also touched on their career paths, retirement plans, and their writing processes and experiences.
Paul's Journey to Alaska and Teaching Career
Steven and Paul reminisced about their past encounters and shared experiences. Paul recounted his journey to Alaska, starting with a summer job in a salmon cannery and later working on a wildlife refuge. He shared his interest in spending time in wild places and his decision to stay in Alaska to pursue a teaching career. Steven inquired about Paul's educational background, to which Paul explained that he obtained his teaching credential by taking classes at the University of Fairbanks. They both expressed their appreciation for the time spent together and the memories they've shared.
Steven and Paul reminisced about their past encounters and shared experiences. Paul recounted his journey to Alaska, starting with a summer job in a salmon cannery and later working on a wildlife refuge. He shared his interest in spending time in wild places and his decision to stay in Alaska to pursue a teaching career. Steven inquired about Paul's educational background, to which Paul explained that he obtained his teaching credential by taking classes at the University of Fairbanks. They both expressed their appreciation for the time spent together and the memories they've shared.
Paul's Journey From Outdoor Educator to Teacher
Paul shared his journey from being an outdoor educator to becoming a teacher at an alternative school for at-risk teens. He discovered his passion for teaching and writing through his students, who inspired him to write stories. Paul's experience as a teacher aide and later as a lead teacher at the alternative school led him to develop a love for young adult fiction and eventually write his own story, "Surviving Bear Island." Steven, who worked in high schools for 25 years, acknowledged the challenges and benefits of teaching in such schools.
Paul shared his journey from being an outdoor educator to becoming a teacher at an alternative school for at-risk teens. He discovered his passion for teaching and writing through his students, who inspired him to write stories. Paul's experience as a teacher aide and later as a lead teacher at the alternative school led him to develop a love for young adult fiction and eventually write his own story, "Surviving Bear Island." Steven, who worked in high schools for 25 years, acknowledged the challenges and benefits of teaching in such schools.
Teaching Experiences and Writing Journey
Steven and Paul discussed their experiences with teaching and writing. Steven shared a story about a teacher who used a unique approach to teaching, which involved students planning menus and buying food for the class. This approach inspired Steven to use journal assignments in his own teaching. Paul then shared his journey of writing and publishing his first book, "Surviving Bear Island". He mentioned that he started writing it in 2002 and it took him a couple of years to complete the draft. He also shared his inspiration for writing another story, "Siblings", which was inspired by his oldest brother who passed away from AIDS. Paul mentioned that he took a 15-page excerpt of "Siblings" to a writing conference in Utah.
Steven and Paul discussed their experiences with teaching and writing. Steven shared a story about a teacher who used a unique approach to teaching, which involved students planning menus and buying food for the class. This approach inspired Steven to use journal assignments in his own teaching. Paul then shared his journey of writing and publishing his first book, "Surviving Bear Island". He mentioned that he started writing it in 2002 and it took him a couple of years to complete the draft. He also shared his inspiration for writing another story, "Siblings", which was inspired by his oldest brother who passed away from AIDS. Paul mentioned that he took a 15-page excerpt of "Siblings" to a writing conference in Utah.
Paul's Writing Journey and Securing a Publisher
Paul shared his journey as a writer, starting with his first book, "Book Siblings," which garnered attention but no representation offers. He then wrote "The Search for Normal," which received five representation offers but didn't secure a publisher. After parting ways with his agent, he wrote "Surviving Bear Island," which eventually found a publisher after eight months of revisions with his new agent, Amy Tipton. Paul's journey highlighted the challenges of finding representation and securing a publisher for a manuscript. Steven acknowledged the importance of continuing to write in the genre, even as other authors retire.
Paul shared his journey as a writer, starting with his first book, "Book Siblings," which garnered attention but no representation offers. He then wrote "The Search for Normal," which received five representation offers but didn't secure a publisher. After parting ways with his agent, he wrote "Surviving Bear Island," which eventually found a publisher after eight months of revisions with his new agent, Amy Tipton. Paul's journey highlighted the challenges of finding representation and securing a publisher for a manuscript. Steven acknowledged the importance of continuing to write in the genre, even as other authors retire.
Discussing Paul's Writing Journey and Climate Change
Steven and Paul discussed Paul's writing journey, focusing on his experiences with the Wildlands and Bear Island. Paul shared that he was inspired by the changing climate and the future of the world, which led to the creation of the Wildlands. He also mentioned that his writing process took about 10 months to get into shape for an agent to represent it. Paul's time in Alaska has seen significant changes in the growing season, which he attributes to climate change. He also mentioned that he was working on a follow-up book to Bear Island while under a two-book deal with his publisher.
Steven and Paul discussed Paul's writing journey, focusing on his experiences with the Wildlands and Bear Island. Paul shared that he was inspired by the changing climate and the future of the world, which led to the creation of the Wildlands. He also mentioned that his writing process took about 10 months to get into shape for an agent to represent it. Paul's time in Alaska has seen significant changes in the growing season, which he attributes to climate change. He also mentioned that he was working on a follow-up book to Bear Island while under a two-book deal with his publisher.
Discussing Writing Routine and Career Impact
Paul and Steven discussed Paul's writing routine and its impact on his career. Paul shared that he would write for an hour every morning before work, which helped him fulfill his contract obligation with Macmillan. He also mentioned that he wrote a significant portion of his book while helping his father with his health care. Steven suggested that an hour of writing daily can lead to more productivity and opportunities. They also discussed the success of Paul's books in Alaska, particularly in high schools and middle schools, and the funding that allowed Paul to travel to different communities to give book talks. Steven proposed the idea of Paul giving a talk to alternative schools about survival and kayaking.
Paul and Steven discussed Paul's writing routine and its impact on his career. Paul shared that he would write for an hour every morning before work, which helped him fulfill his contract obligation with Macmillan. He also mentioned that he wrote a significant portion of his book while helping his father with his health care. Steven suggested that an hour of writing daily can lead to more productivity and opportunities. They also discussed the success of Paul's books in Alaska, particularly in high schools and middle schools, and the funding that allowed Paul to travel to different communities to give book talks. Steven proposed the idea of Paul giving a talk to alternative schools about survival and kayaking.
Sea Kayaking and Bicycle Touring Experiences
Paul shared his experiences of sea kayaking in Prince William Sound, highlighting the importance of making good decisions and seeking protection when faced with challenging situations. He described his trips, which ranged from solo 3-week trips to longer trips with his wife, involving long days of paddling and camping. Steven expressed admiration for Paul's adventures and shared his own experiences of bicycle touring in Utah, Montana, and Mexico. Both agreed on the importance of outdoor activities and expressed concern about the potential loss of these experiences for future generations.
Paul shared his experiences of sea kayaking in Prince William Sound, highlighting the importance of making good decisions and seeking protection when faced with challenging situations. He described his trips, which ranged from solo 3-week trips to longer trips with his wife, involving long days of paddling and camping. Steven expressed admiration for Paul's adventures and shared his own experiences of bicycle touring in Utah, Montana, and Mexico. Both agreed on the importance of outdoor activities and expressed concern about the potential loss of these experiences for future generations.
Paul's Teaching Transition and ELL Experience
Steven and Paul discussed Paul's transition from teaching at an alternative school to teaching English Language Learners (ELL) at a high school. Paul shared his experience of teaching ELL students, highlighting their politeness and discipline. He then transitioned to teaching special education, starting with kindergarten to third grade, and later working with a homeschool program. Paul mentioned that this change allowed him to have more time for writing, as he was able to complete Book 3 of his manuscript.
Steven and Paul discussed Paul's transition from teaching at an alternative school to teaching English Language Learners (ELL) at a high school. Paul shared his experience of teaching ELL students, highlighting their politeness and discipline. He then transitioned to teaching special education, starting with kindergarten to third grade, and later working with a homeschool program. Paul mentioned that this change allowed him to have more time for writing, as he was able to complete Book 3 of his manuscript.
Career Paths, Retirement Plans, and Homeschooling
Steven and Paul discussed their career paths and retirement plans. Paul, who has worked in the education system for 15 years, is now working part-time with Raven Homeschool and is considering his options for the future. He mentioned that he is taking a year-by-year approach to his career, focusing on his current contract and then deciding on his next steps. Steven suggested that Paul could conduct a survey on the three adventure things he mentioned, and write a post about them. They also discussed the homeschooling system in Alaska, with Paul mentioning that he is keeping track of 40 kids and that the level of parent involvement varies. Steven noted that the reasons for homeschooling in Alaska are diverse, including homesteading and running away from established society.
Steven and Paul discussed their career paths and retirement plans. Paul, who has worked in the education system for 15 years, is now working part-time with Raven Homeschool and is considering his options for the future. He mentioned that he is taking a year-by-year approach to his career, focusing on his current contract and then deciding on his next steps. Steven suggested that Paul could conduct a survey on the three adventure things he mentioned, and write a post about them. They also discussed the homeschooling system in Alaska, with Paul mentioning that he is keeping track of 40 kids and that the level of parent involvement varies. Steven noted that the reasons for homeschooling in Alaska are diverse, including homesteading and running away from established society.
Discussing Writing Processes and Experiences
Steven and Paul discussed their writing processes and experiences. Paul shared that he had completed his trilogy and was now working on a chapter book aimed at reluctant and struggling readers. He mentioned that his writing process varies, with some days dedicated to writing and others to exercise. Paul also discussed his revision process, which involves fitting his work into a 3-act structure and focusing on character development. Steven expressed his admiration for Paul's attention to the needs of struggling readers and his thoughts on the changing landscape of reading, particularly in the digital age.
Steven and Paul discussed their writing processes and experiences. Paul shared that he had completed his trilogy and was now working on a chapter book aimed at reluctant and struggling readers. He mentioned that his writing process varies, with some days dedicated to writing and others to exercise. Paul also discussed his revision process, which involves fitting his work into a 3-act structure and focusing on character development. Steven expressed his admiration for Paul's attention to the needs of struggling readers and his thoughts on the changing landscape of reading, particularly in the digital age.
Paul's Writing Process and Editor Experiences
Paul discussed his writing process, which involves character development and multiple drafts before handing it over to his wife, an English professor and MFA holder, for feedback. He also shared his experiences with editors, highlighting the differences between his two editors, Eileen Robinson and John Morgan. Paul expressed his desire to work with Eileen again on his third book and his hope to return to the stage for a future event. Steven suggested that Paul should push for more involvement in the publishing process, particularly with the President of the publishing house, to help promote his work. Steven also offered to find someone interested in Paul's work to write a post about it.
Paul discussed his writing process, which involves character development and multiple drafts before handing it over to his wife, an English professor and MFA holder, for feedback. He also shared his experiences with editors, highlighting the differences between his two editors, Eileen Robinson and John Morgan. Paul expressed his desire to work with Eileen again on his third book and his hope to return to the stage for a future event. Steven suggested that Paul should push for more involvement in the publishing process, particularly with the President of the publishing house, to help promote his work. Steven also offered to find someone interested in Paul's work to write a post about it.
Inspiring Young Readers With "The Wildlands
Paul shared a heartfelt letter he received from a kid who had struggled with ADHD and found solace in Paul's book, "The Wildlands". The letter detailed the child's journey from struggling with reading and academics to becoming an avid reader and aspiring English teacher. Paul expressed how this letter resonated with him, emphasizing the importance of his work in inspiring young readers. Steven acknowledged the impact of Paul's work and expressed his excitement for Paul's future endeavors.
Paul shared a heartfelt letter he received from a kid who had struggled with ADHD and found solace in Paul's book, "The Wildlands". The letter detailed the child's journey from struggling with reading and academics to becoming an avid reader and aspiring English teacher. Paul expressed how this letter resonated with him, emphasizing the importance of his work in inspiring young readers. Steven acknowledged the impact of Paul's work and expressed his excitement for Paul's future endeavors.