Looking over a Writer's Shoulder
- PUTTING TOGETHER THE JIGSAW PUZZLE: Sometimes in assembling a history, be it fiction or memoir, you stumble upon delightful details that...
- RESEARCH ON THE WEB: Sometimes I bemoan how much time the Web and the Internet seem to steal from my real work which is p...
- WHAT KEEPS US WRITING?: How does a writer keep writing especially considering all the dire news these days about the publish...
- MONDAY MORNING BLUES: Getting the writer brain moving on a Monday morning.
- DO WRITERS GO ON VACATION?: When is a writer really on vacation or simply avoiding the tough moment of the empty screen?
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Dear Elizabeth,
We are in fith grade and just finished reading your book Counting on Grace. You are a great author! The details you use are PHENOMENAL! We live in Pownal. It so great to know about the history of North Pownal Mills. Since we are so interested about your book Counting on Grace we were wondering if we could ask you some questions. Hope to hear from you soon!
Taylor and Mike
Taylor and Mike, Ask away!
Elizabeth Winthrop
Dear Elizabeth,
You are a great author! We are in fifth and just finished reading your book Counting on Grace. We enjoyed it so much! The details you used are PHENOMENAL!!!! We know some of North Pownal Mill History. It is great to know some of our home town history. Hope to hear from you soon. We were also wondering maybe since we are so interested about Your book Counting on Grace if maybe we could ask you a few questions? Thanks Mike and Taylor
Dear Ms. Winthrop,
We have read Castle in the Attic and The Battle for the Castle. My class wants you to know that they thought they were both very excellent and they were “astonished” (their word). I know that’s true, because they begged me to keep reading each day during read aloud.
They would like to know if you are planning on writing another “Castle” book in the series. They certainly hope that you are thinking about it! For now we are making predictions about what might happen in the next book.
We hope to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Young
and the Northwoods Community Elementary School
4th Grade
9086 Highway K
Harshaw,WI 54529
Dear Mrs. Young and the 4th Grade,
Here’s my answer to your question. William is always with me…someday he may find his way on to the pages of another book. Thanks so much for wishing for more… that is the greatest compliment a writer can receive. Elizabeth
Hi, my question for you isn’t really a question. Its just an opinion. I think your ‘Castle in the Attic’ is an amazing book. I just started reading your ‘Counting on Grace’ and it seems really good so far. You’re a really good author Ms. Winthrop.
Sincerely,
Erika Badertscher
Dear Ms. Winthrop,
I am writing to thank you for writing, Counting on Grace. It was a wonderful story and enjoyable to read, based on an era long gone, but not forgotten. Our local newspaper, The Transcript, had an article a while back with pictures of the children who worked in those mills and that article was one I always remembered. My husband and I live in Adams, MA and often take Sunday rides up through Pownal and whenever we are up there, I think about those children of the early 20th century. Your book brought understanding to what it must have been for them and I couldn’t put it down until I finished reading it. I look forward to reading more of your books in the future. Sincerely, Charlotte Avery
Dear Charlotte Avery,
Thank you for taking the time to write me about Counting on Grace. It still breaks my heart when I think of the children who had to give up their lives and their health and their education to those machines. You may be interested in looking at this site: http://www.lewishineproject.com
My researcher and good friend, Joe Manning, has found the descendants of so many of Lewis Hine’s subjects and their stories are incredibly moving.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth, what was your first book that you ever written????? what was the last????? -Wanda
BUNK BEDS first book I ever published. COUNTING ON GRACE the most recent. MAIA AND THE MONSTER BABY with wonderful illustrations by Amanda Haley will be out Fall, 2012 from Holiday House.
i love some of your books, im reading counting on grace and it is great so far. i can’t wait to read the next one! your fan- Wanda!
i met you once with my twin sister Adrianna because won a contest at our school (Nathan hale elementary) I can’t blame you if you don’t remember it must’ve been some 7 or 6 years ago. I was going through some old stuff and found a signed picture the three of us that you signed saying “two tan twins”.
Questions about Elizabeth’s work
Message I really love your book The Castle in The Attic, but I haven’t been able to find a copy at any stores. I just got an eReader, and I was wondering if you perhaps have it as an eBook. Thank you.
Jennifer, I’m so glad you asked. THE CASTLE IN THE ATTIC and THE BATTLE FOR THE CASTLE will both be released in digital form this Spring. Hope you enjoy reading them on the screen. My novel COUNTING ON GRACE is already available on all the digital platforms.
Elizabeth
Hi I loved Counting on Grace I read it at my school. Good luck!!!!!!!
Dear Elizabeth Winthrop,
I wanted to wish you a Happy Holidays and to send you a thank you for your book “The Castle in the Attic”. I first read it in my early teens and though I’m now in my mid 30′s, I still find myself reading it almost every year. Though it isn’t a Christmas book, I loved the book so much that I started a tradition of re-reading it every December to curb my over excitement and anticipation for Christmas. I would try to space the book out so that I would finish it by Christmas eve as sort of a personal advent calendar.
While Christmas time has sadly become less full of wonder and magic, and more of a shopping/cooking/planning nightmare now that I’m an adult; your book still seems to hold magic for me. My 1986 edition is now starting to fall apart but each page is so familiar to me that I can’t part with it for a new edition. The wonderful level of imagination and wonder that you wrote into the book captures my love of fantasy even now.
So I wanted to send my personal thanks to you for sharing your book with the world.
Happy Holidays
-Sarah Drew
Dear Sarah Drew,
Thank you for this lovely note. I can’t imagine a more upbeat message an author could receive from a reader and I especially love the concept of CASTLE as a personal Advent calendar…I’ve always loved Advent calendars and just gave my twin granddaughters their first ones. They’re too young to understand the concept of one window each day and have rushed ahead.. how good of you to force yourself to slow down in this busy, crazy season and take in whatever part of William’s adventure you allow yourself.
May you have a peaceful Christmas season and much joy in the New Year.
Best,
Elizabeth Winthrop
I love your book Castle in the Attic! It was full of amazing detail and i liked the characters. I was wondering if you have any mystery books for ages 12 and up.
Thanks
Bridget
Bridget, you might want to read THE BATTLE FOR THE CASTLE, a sequel to THE CASTLE IN THE ATTIC.. it’s full of adventure and scary moments.
Best,
Elizabeth Winthrop
We came on your site looking to see if there were more books in the Battle for the Castle series. We wish William would go on more adventures!
Thank you for sharing your stories with us!
William is always with me…someday he may find his way on to the pages of another book. Thanks so much for wishing for more… that is the greatest compliment a writer can receive. Elizabeth
Elizabeth,
When I was about the age of 12, I read Castle in the Attic. At the time, I was mischevious youngster, and not much of the reading type. However, after being forced during school to check out a book from the library, I ended up with a copy of it.
I read it cover to cover in two nights. My mom was shocked, but to me it even beat Nintendo. So, I went back to the school library and told the librarian I wanted every book by Elizabeth Winthrop. I read the sequel too.
Today, I am 27 years old, and I still remember the books quite well. I want to sincerely thank you for not only writing them, but also for giving proof that reading can be fun!
Sincerely,
Brad K.
Brad, this is the kind of note that makes me get back to work in the morning. Thank you so much for taking the time to post it. I may have convinced you that reading can be fun, but today, you convinced me to keep writing.
Best,
Elizabeth
Dear Elizabeth,
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed reading your book “The Castle in the Attic”. I am sixty years old and was able to relate to Mrs. Phillips. My young at heart could relate to William. I have two grandsons that live with me. (Nathan – 8 years old & Hunter – 4 years old) I love to read to them and told them we will be starting a new book tonight. Thank you again for the adventure. I am looking forward to reading more of your books.
Carla
What a lovely note you sent me about The Castle in the Attic. It’s especially gratifying to know that you shared the book with your two grandsons and all generations enjoyed it.
Hi Elizabeth,
I own The Studio Club ArtWorks! in Pownal which you have visited a couple of times. I am finally selling “Counting on Grace” even though I still have trouble buying from RH. I bought a few dozen at an alternative site which means with the shipping I’m selling it for what it cost me, but it’s worth it just to be able to offer people something that’s actually about Pownal. Check out the Pownal blog post on our newly-updated ecommerce website, http://www.studioclubartworks.com.
Looking forward to seeing you again.
Pat, I look forward to stopping by your store and signing the copies of Counting on Grace. Thanks so much for your persistence in getting the book. It’s so important to me that people in the Pownal area be able to buy it and read it.
Elizabeht
Hello Mrs. Winthrop,
I am a fellow reader and a upcoming author. I’ve read your book, The Castle in the Attic and have fell in love with your stories ever since.
That was one of the best novels I’ve ever read, one that captured so much details to combine them into the perfect storyline.
I will be looking for more books by you and I’m looking forward to reading them in the future. I will certainly recommend your books to anyone who asks.
(By the way, just so you know, I admire and respect your great uncle Theodore R. very much. He is a great leader/rolemodel and he always will be remembered!)
Thank you, thank you, so much for giving us so many original, thrilling novels, a well feast for eyes everywhere.
Hi. I am Morgan Brown’s grandson. We are reading “Counting on Grace” in my reading group. I was surprised to hear from my grandmother Suzanne Brown that we are sort of related!
I am liking the book and I can’t wait to finish!
From Henry (age 10, Louisville KY)
dear mrs.winthrop,hello i hope this trying winter has not been to much trouble to you and your family.i’ve been laid up for a spell and it gave me time to indulge in my enjoyment-reading!my parents were great newspaper and magazine readers and admired your father’s columns and pieces in newsweek and the sat evening post.later in reading your father’s beautiful book “stay of execution” it brought back memories of the battle my father waged at the same time with a terminal kidney disease.the time i’ve spent re-reading the books by the alsop bros. and “taking on the world”has been wonderful therapy in getting me through a tedious rehab stint.some of your works have helped our kids find books exciting and fun. my daughter and i carry books with us wherever we go(much like my favorite president-t.r.)keep up the marvelous work!and if you do decide to write a family rememberance, i’ll gladly buy two copies!many thanks and my regards to you and yours,sincerely,johnj.o’connell
I just finished reading The Castle in the Attic to my seven year old son and we both couldn’t stand to close the book each night before bed! What a great story! We can’t wait to read the next book.
Our family has read The Castle in the Attic and The Battle for the Castle, and we really enjoyed them. We would like you to write another one! Are you planning another sequel? We especially liked the way you used gymnastics in the stories, since both of the kids have taken or currently take gymnastics. We haven’t read Harry Potter together, but my daughter thinks The Battle for the Castle is probably as scary as those books.
Thanks for two wonderful reading experiences!
Dear Cassidy, Bridger and Carrie,
Thanks so much for your enthusiastic post about my CASTLE books. I’m working on other projects right now, so I can’t say whether or not there will be a sequel. However, I never say never when it comes to books. All of my characters have a very special place in my heart and I hate leaving them behind so William and Jason might entice me back into their world…. or Grace into hers.. or those five tap dancing rats in my fantasy novel, THE RED RATTOONS, into theirs.
Elizabeth
Hi! My name is Jaclyn Castelar and I am currently working on a documentary about Lewis Hine for a history competition, National History Day. I was wondering if I could interview you regarding your book, Counting on Grace.
So far I like your character, Miss Lesley a lot. Sorry I haven’t updated in awhile- things have been crazy at school.
Hi Ms. Elizabeth. I have only just found out about you. I look forward to reading your books. I find your story very encouraging. Thank you for following your dreams. And for letting others know they can do the same.
Sincerely, Tania
Hi! I’m Marjorie Maddox’s daughter, and just received your book, Counting on Grace, as a present on the ninth (two days ago). It looks really good and I read the back of the book. Since I read so often, I had to put the book on my reading list for about forty eight hours and let it sit on the dining room counter. After a wile it became too tempting and I snatched it up and wrote you this. Usually I try to avoid reading two books at the same time because both stories sometime intertwine in my head but, oh well, it looked really good.
I’ll write something on your blog and tell you what I think every once in a while. (I know authors like to hear what people think of their work and I really enjoy telling them.)
Oh and by the way, my name is Anna Lee. I’m almost fourteen and live in Williamsport, PA. You met my mother and signed a book for me which was really nice of you. My favorite things to do are read, write, draw, shop, listen to music, and hang out with friends. Ok, Enough talking- now it’s time to start reading your book.
Thanks,
Anna Lee:)
Anna Lee, I’m so glad that you received the book. Please thank you mother, the excellent messenger, who I really enjoyed meeting at our poetry retreat. Now I can’t wait to hear what you think of Grace and Arthur and their life in the mill. Let me know! Elizabeth
Pleasure to meet you this evening…I look forward to more.
Casie, I hope you received the teachers’ guides I emailed yesterday in an attachment. You can download all of them from my Teachers Guide page. Let me know if there’s anything else you need. I’d be happy to set up a Skype visit with your class after they’ve read COUNTING ON GRACE if you are interested. It’s a fun way for students to “meet” me, ask questions directly and see my workspace. And I enjoy connecting with my readers this way.
Best,
Elizabth
Sorry, Patty, that the Skype page has been down. It’s up and running now so you can submit your request. Or you can email me directly at elizabeth@elizabethwinthrop.com. I tried emailing you but it did not go through. I look forward to setting up a visit with your students.
Best,
Elizabeth
I just finished reading the Castle in the Attic to my 3rd grade class. They loved it and so did I.
Thank you.
Thank you so much for letting me know!
Elizabeth
I discovered your books when my teacher told us we were going to do a novel study on your book called castle in the attic. At first I thought it wouldn’t be a book for my taste but at the end I ended up loving it! I loved it so much I just had to read Battle for the Castle. I think you are an amazing authur. When I go up I want to be an auther just like you entertaining MILLIONS of people with literature!
Best Pages, Dani
Dani, I’m sure when you grow up you will entertain millions of people with your stories.
Best, Elizabeth
I discovered your books Castle in the Attic and Battle for the Castle when I was 9 and have reread them many times since. I had nearly forgotten them until I remembered a strange dream I had had a few years ago involving castle in an attic, a boy tumbler, a lead knight and an evil sorcerer. As you can see I happily rediscovered your books and am very glad I did. Thank you for writing such wonderful books!
And thank you for taking the time to let me know how you feel about William and the castle. It’s so moving for an author to hear firsthand how her books have connected with readers.
Best,
Elizabeth
I cannot describe how exciting it feels to finally write and thank the author of such a marvelous book. I visited the famous castle in the attic many times during my adolescent years, and I discovered every time to be just as rewarding, and heartening as the last. It was following the adventures of William, that I could escape the stress and pressures of growing up for a little while. Sir Simon became my hero of heros, and the story was exciting and remained so all the way to the conclusion.
I could understand the grief William was going through, as I too, lost a dear care-giver during the time of the reading, and perhaps that made it all the more personal. Yet, despite that, it also whetted my interest in writing, history, and traveling.
I spent seven glorious years in England, and discovered the real castles, and a few knights along the way, before moving back to the United States. I can say your story inspired me, and fueled my creative fire.
Thank you for writing it, and I look forward to reading the sequel.
51 Park Avenue Suite 7
West Springfield, MA 01089
October 3, 2010
Dear Ms. Winthrop,
I am writing with a request. I am a member of the Board of Directors for the Children’s Museum at Holyoke. The Children’s Museum http://www.childrensmuseumholyoke.org/
has provided high quality programming and events for the children of the Pioneer Valley since 1983.
We are currently gearing up for our yearly fundraiser “Fancy Steps”. As part of this fundraiser we are offering Silent Auction items to our guests.
I am writing to you to ask if you might be willing to support our efforts by donating an autographed copy of one of your books. We feel that this would be a most desirable addition to our Silent Auction items and pertinent to the mission and purpose of the Holyoke Children’s Museum.
If this is possible, I would be happy to make arrangements to have someone pick up a copy or you could mail it to me at my law office address above.
This event will take place on Nov. 13, 2010 so we would need to receive the book by Nov. 10th. I sincerely appreciate your consideration of this request. If you have any questions, please contact me at 617 869-4133 or moriarty4@comcast.net
Thanks –Atty. Timothy M. Moriarty
Dear Ms. Winthrop: I’m writitng to let you know how much I have enjoyed reading about your research on Addie Card, the little spinner girl from the Lewis Hine photograph. I found it especially interesting because my grandmother was Addie’s sister Annie. As you already know, Annie married Eli LeRoy and moved to Cohoes, New York and had three children – you may not know that all three were girls. My mother Doris, who is now 84, was the youngest and unfortunately the only sibling still living. I came across Addie’s story through the Mornings on Maple Street website late on night when, on a whim, I decided to type in my grandfather’s name. I was amazed at what I read, especially that iconic photograph is on a U.S. postage stamp and hanging in the Department of Labor museum! Although we heard stories about Annie and Addie’s younger lives, we never really knew what happened to her since my grandmother died in 1954 and only had sporadic contact with her sister during their adult lives. Since it looks like my laptop battery is about to crash, I’ll close. Just wanted to let you know that your quest to find Addie Card also allowed the rest of her family to happily finally “meet” her. Sincerely, Susan Morris McLain
Dear Susan McLain,
I’m so glad that my research helped you get to know your great-aunt Addie. Her face in the Lewis Hine photograph and the work Hine did to expose child labor in the early part of the 20th Century is what inspired me to write COUNTING ON GRACE about a millworker in Vermont in 1910. I made up my character and her story, and when I was all done with the fiction and went to look for Addie, I learned that their lives had been very different. I was glad that I got to “know” both of them, one through fiction and the other through a genealogical “dig.” I was helped a great deal in the Addie search by Joe Manning, whose website MORNINGS ON MAPLE STREET details the lives of so many more of the children Hine photographed.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
I just finished reading Castle in the Attic, and it’s really, really good.
I can’t wait to read the Battle for the Castle.
Please write more about William!
Thanks,
Alex
Lovely to meet you in Maine at the Erikson’s.
If you are ever again in Maine, Caroline’s teacher would be thrilled to have you speak to her class.
Warm regards,
Karine
Karine, how nice it was to discover such a fan while standing on that rock looking over the blue Maine water. Say hello to Caroline for me. I hear the twins had a great time riding in the tractor with her.
Elizabeth
Your book: The Castle In the Attic was a favorite of mine when I returned from Germany in 1995. I used this book as a read a loud to my third grade class. While reading the book we designed a castle and had a living museum for our school. It was the best year of my teaching career. Now I have just returned from Germany and now I have a new question. My friend there teaches 3rd grade and is wondering if this book was ever published in German. I do hope so because I think it is a wonderful read on the Middle Ages. The town of Biberach, Germany was constructed in Middle Age time. Go there during their Shooting Festival in the Middle of July and you,too will experience 10 days of magical pageantry that will return you to this time period.
Dear Mrs Winthrop,
I have read both your ” adult ” books now and I heartily wish you had written more for us grown-up children.
Your writing just flows along and draws one right into the story. There is always a feeling that you know the characters quite well, and although you know the end of the book must come there is always a feeling that you want the story to go on and on. Thank you so much for the hours of pleasure you have given me.
Sincerely
Pat Simpson
Dear Pat Simpson,
How kind of you to write. I am working on a book right now for us “grown-up children” so your words came at a perfect time. Every writer needs to know there are readers like you out there waiting for us and our creations.
Elizabeth
Mrs. Winthrop, I cannot thank you enough for Ben’s book. The Biggest Parade quickly became a family favorite. Dumpy La Rue is my personal favorite. How could I not fall in love with a little boy pig who pursues a love of dance against all criticism and inspires the entire farm to dance! I always want to dance when we read it. I hope you are enjoying your Sonata.
Hi Ms. Winthrop,
My family is actually really good friends with your brother Staurt,probably for over 30 years now. In fact I am going to his house on Saturday because he is having a small graduation party for me. Well now that I am out of school I want to complete my children’s book but am stuck in the middle. Do you have any suggestions on how to get over the hump?
-Heather Rhodes
Dear Ms Winthrop
I just finished reading Island Justice and thououghly enjoyed it. The characters were so real and the setting so believable. I actually cried at the end. I look forward to reading more of your novels.
Barbara MacDonald
PS I especially appreciated your straight forward way of writing. I get so tired of the over use of metaphors.
Dear Barbara MacDonald,
Thanks so much for your kind words about my novel, ISLAND JUSTICE. The characters in that book are very dear to my heart and I’m always delighted to hear when a reader has found her way to caring for them too.
Elizabeth Winthrop
Looking forward to reading your blog.
Ms. Winthrop
I followed the publications the Gaston Gazette did approx Sept 2008 and did go by and p.u. one of the free books “Counting on Grace”.
How could I go about getting 30 books for my classroom so I could use the book as a required reading project as we study NC History?
Thank you so much. I grew up in Gastonia.
God bless –
Vanita Evans
77834 Galway Lane
Lincoln Charter School
Denver, NC 28037
Dear Vanita Evans,
To order a classroom set of COUNTING ON GRACE, you can call Random House at 800-733-3000. The ISBN # for the paperback edition of the book is 978-0-553-48783-1.
Should you need help with funding, please consider applying for a grant. This link might be helpful:
http://www.glrl.lib.nc.us/eventsexhibits/hine.htm
I really hope that you will be able to include the book in your North Carolina history project.
I am 9 years old in grade 4 and I am reading The Castle in the Attic for my novel study in Mr. Astons class at Mutchmor Public School. Your book is the best I have read. I look forward to reading the second book Battle for the castle!
From Lachlan
Lachlan, thanks for writing to me. I’m so glad you liked William’s story. Let me know what you think of THE BATTLE FOR THE CASTLE.
Elizabeth
Dear Ms. Winthrop:
I am a teacher of Gifted Education students for one of the Department of Defense Depenedents Schools in Spangdahlem, Germany. This semester my grade 4 students studied the Industrial Revolution and Inventions. As part of this curriculum unit, the students read your novel, “Counting on Grace”. They were all deeply moved by this book and as a result we had many deep and meaningful discussions about child labor issues both in the past and in the present. It is a phenomenal book!
My students decided to write letters to you. Their style is in the first person just like Grace. Each student chose a character in the book and continued the story, reflecting on what that character did after Grace left the mill. The students would like to send them to you. Could you provide us with an address?
Thank you so much.
Sincerely,
Gloria Stephens
Spangdahlem Elementary School
52 SPTG CCSE-S
Unit 3640 Box 50
APO AE 09126
PS–as part of this unit the students also renovated a 1938 Pfaff treadle sewing machine and named it “Grace”! Grace was donated to our PTSA where she was auctioned off for $80. They will use the money to buy more books.:-)
Dear Ms. Stephens,
I was thrilled to hear that the students took Grace to heart. And what an inspired idea to renovate the old treadle sewing machine. Grace would indeed be honored to know it was named after her.
I look forward to reading the students’ letters. They can be sent to me at 250 W. 90th Street, 6A, New York, N.Y. 10024.
Thank you for writing and for introducing Grace to your students.
Best,
Elizabeth
Dear Elizabeth
In the past few years (ever since I was able to write) I have wanted to become an author. I have always wanted to write books because it is interesting, fun and i want, more then anything in the world, to have people read the story i have played out in my head, day after day my whole life. Its hard. I know every character and their names. I’ve drawn maps of their world. I’ve had dreams about my book so many times, its like magic. i also want people to know it by heart like i have done for so many other books.
One of them is yours, the castle in the attic. I have relished over it for years and so have my siblings. i have read it over four times and still get pleasure over re-reading it. Right now i am fourteen and need help starting my first book. i need help! I tried thinking about contacting a famous author like Stephenie Meyer, or J. K. Rowling, but thought of how many letters they get like this. I hope your not busy.
Please, know how much a fan i am of your book. i have got that little lead knight figure glued into my head and that is why I got such a pleasure in writing. I enjoy your writings and books.
So, please, please, PLEASE help me publish my book! if i need to tell you everything about it, i will.
Heather, you are a real writer. If you know the characters and where they live and what they would grab if they had to leave their room in a flash, then you are a writer. Characters engage you and get you to tell them a story. I did not publish my first book until I was well into my twenties. Please, keep writing. Share your work with other people you know who want to read it or other writers in your school or your neighborhood. Make sure you share it with safe people who will respect how much time and energy you have put into your book. Hone your craft. Start another story. Keep a journal. That’s the most important thing right now. The formal publishing will come in time.
Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth–
I like your website a lot. I think it has everything you need to have on it, and
not too much. Your bio is wonderfully written and altogether engaging.
Love, Sarah
Thanks, Sarah. Websites are so detail oriented that I can get lost in that part of them. It’s good to hear from a “viewer” that the whole picture is engaging.