I asked Crystal Kite Award winner, author, Norman Jorgensen, what it meant winning the award...
"At
first I actually couldn’t believe we actually won the award,
considering the huge wealth of talent that inhabits SCBWI in Australia.
Being a peer chosen award it feels just like winning an Academy Award,
but without Angelina Jolie.
To remind myself of how special this is, I
look back through the pages of the book and at James Foley’s gorgeous
illustrations and I’m reminded of a piece of advice from a well-known
writer who said, if you are going to write picture books make sure your
publisher saddles you with a great illustrator. It makes all the
difference.
He wasn’t wrong. And seeing as James and I met on a SCBWI
retreat, and first decided there to do the book together, it sort of
feels appropriate that we will also be at a SCBWI conference to accept
the award. SCBWI, what a great organisation. I love it!
Please tell us about your book!
The
Last Viking is a picture book illustrated by James Foley about Josh, a
small, timid boy who is frightened of just about everything, including
monsters under the bed. When his grandfather gives him a book about
Vikings, where he learns they are brave and fierce, Josh decides to
change his name to Knut and become a Viking. He imagines if he makes
himself a Viking ship, a sword and horned helmet he will automatically
become a Viking and become brave and fierce, just like them.
Later,
when the local bullies come for him, goes bravely out to face up to
them, however, the Norse Gods, who have been watching out for their
newest warrior from their hall up in Asgard, intervene and burst from
the clouds in a heavenly Longship to save him.
How long have you been involved with SCBWI, and can you share what you feel you've gained by being a member?
I
joined SCBWI soon after the hugely talented illustrator, Frané Lessac,
started our Western Australia chapter ten years ago. Not only have I
loved being with the members and sharing their enthusiasm and their
successes, but our new book resulted directly because of James Foley and
myself both being members of SCBWI.
Every year we have a SCBWI
retreat on Rottnest Island, a magical spot about ten miles off our
coast, and at the retreat three years ago I saw a wonderful picture in
James’ sketchbook of a young boy dressed up as a medieval knight. I
immediately thought, if a boy can dress up as a knight then why not as a
Viking?
With my Danish surname I’ve always wanted to do a Viking story,
so a tapped James on the shoulder and asked, ‘Are you busy for the next
year?’ I then had to quickly think of a plot involving a boy Viking,
and, most importantly, go and convince my publisher, Cate Sutherland at
Fremantle Press that I had found the greatest new illustrator since
Shaun Tan stubbed his big toe on his Oscar.
Do you have any advice to share with other children's book writers and illustrators?
Just two pieces.
1.
Persistence. Never, ever, ever give in. I’m so reminded of JK Rowling
and JRR Tolkien both having had had their books rejected over fifteen
times, but they still kept at it.
This Crystal Kite Award took twenty years in coming.
2. And, most importantly, have fun. Write for yourself and not what you think the market or other people may want to read.
Sage advice, Norman! Thank you so much for dropping in on the Conference Blog.
