- Mrs. Stevens’ ABCs
Sometimes the universe seems to send conflicting messages. Take my “Mrs. Stevens’ ABCs” series, for instance. They are simple, paperback books that are intended to give basic information in ABC fashion about our area. The information is factual, often historic, sometimes whimsical or quirky.
For some years I’ve been considering doing an A is for Astoria book as a part of the series. I’ve accumulated quite a file of Astoria information but I have dragged my feet because my illustrator of choice, Pat Fagerland, has been busy with other projects. And then Pat, herself, approached me and said, “Have you ever considered doing A is for Astoria? There is so much history there; it would be a great subject.”
Wow! We began to make plans. If we hurried, we could have it ready for Astoria’s bi-centennial celebration in 2011. That discussion was a week ago and then, yesterday, I had lunch with a friend who lives across the river. She presented me with a book she thought might interest me – A is for Astoria by Karen L. Leedom and illustrated by Sally Bailey.
It’s a lovely book – hard cover, full color, geared toward children with enough factual information to appeal to adults, especially the grandma-buyers of the world. It is much different from my books. Rather than focusing on the historical aspects of Astoria, it is an ABC presentation of things to do and see there — C is for clamming, M is for museums, W is for waves… well, you get the idea.
So, what to do, what to do? Will it look like I am a copy-cat if I, too, come out with an A is for Astoria? Is there a market for both? Can I, in fact, avoid repeating the information in Leedom’s book or does she already ‘cover the waterfront’ so to speak? Perhaps I should watch for one more “sign” from the universe before making my decision…
Sydney,
What about using the title “A is for Astor”? The first pages can be devoted to him and the history of why the town was named after him, the rest of the book can be focused on the history of the town itself.
Then your historical perspective is right there in the title, which is no longer the same as hers.
It’s not as “catchy”, but if it’s to be published for the 2011 bicentennial then the word “Astor” will be THE word around town!
Debbie