Author Archives: John Clark

SCBWI at 50

Posted on May 9, 2023 by John Clark

When Hardscrabble Kids came out last summer, I decided it might be helpful to join the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. I’d seen the organization mentioned numerous times in blog posts and author acknowledgments. My first activity was … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Alexandra Hinrichs, Jane Yolen, Jo Knowles, John R. Clark, Julie Bilven, Sam Taylor, SCBWI, Thor's Wingman, writing conferences | 1 Comment

Is there such a thing as too much?

Posted on April 11, 2023 by John Clark

John Clark pondering whether there’s time left in life to read all the books I lust after right now. The answer is hell to the no. I’ve read 75 so far this year while completing one manuscript. I’ve gone back … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Elizabeth Wein, Excess books, Marie Lu, Mindy McGinnis, Mortal insanity, Norse mythology | 2 Comments

When Jane Addams Met Radar O’Reilly

Posted on March 13, 2023 by John Clark

John Clark on an unusual offshoot of his careers as author and librarian. One of my fellow graduates of the University of South Carolina masters in library and information science program, Debbie Lozito, once observed that librarians exist so people … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Creative methods, Debbie Lozito, John Clark, Mandarin, re-homing, used books | 2 Comments

I got them steadily depressin’, low down mind messin’ February in winter blues.

Posted on February 10, 2023 by John Clark

John Clark echoing others who have posted about darkness, bleak feelings, and being stuck in a rut. It’s been a number of years since winter in general, and February in specific bit me in the backside. This year, cumulative ‘stuff’ … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged black ice, Cabin Fever, computer malfunction, Dark humor, Depression, gift cards, John R. Clark, Maine winters, Microsoft | 8 Comments

Meet Brian Katcher

Posted on January 10, 2023 by John Clark

John Clark interviewing friend and fellow librarian Brian Katcher whose newest book is set in Maine. You’re a school library media specialist in Missouri, but you’ve had some interesting travels if I remember correctly. What stands out the most? I … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Almost Perfect, Brian Katcher, Deacon Locke Went to Prom, Everybody Dies in the End, Marley's Ghost, missouri, Playing with Matches, Schllo Media Libearians, The Improbable Theory of Anna and Zak, Young Adult Fiction | 5 Comments

Around the Bend

Posted on December 12, 2022 by John Clark

John Clark on what happened to one of my story starts from my January blog post. If you remember that far back, I posted ten possible story beginnings. They were intended to become short stories, but a funny thing … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Alternate realms, John Clark, Narraguagus River, Norse mythology, Works in progress, Young adult fantasy | 5 Comments

De Feet or Defeat: Where do you stand?

Posted on November 3, 2022 by John Clark

John Clark with a soap box moment. Douglas Rooks’ opinion piece in today’s Waterville Sentinel begins thusly: “Tuesday will mark the 50th anniversary of my first vote. Since 1972, I’ve voted in 12 presidential elections and 11 previous midterms, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged 2022 election, ballot clerks, Civic involvement, Douglas Rooks, John R. Clark, Pittsfield Public Library, Political activity, Postcard campaigns | 8 Comments

Most people wouldn’t be impressed by my new apartment, but that hardly mattered to me. It was affordable, had an extra bedroom, and came furnished. It was also within walking distance of my new job. Hell, I deserved something … Continue reading →

Posted on October 6, 2022 by John Clark | Leave a comment

The Alternate Creativity-Reading

Posted on September 6, 2022 by John Clark

John Clark, back to sharing some YA book reviews, partially inspired by a photo I saw online. I could live to 750 and still never read every book I think is intriguing. There could be worse fates I’m sure. Since … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged book reviewing, Gillian French, Jen Doll, Jennifer Alsever, John R. Clark, Julia Walton, Margaret McDonald, Steven James, Young Adult Fiction | 2 Comments

Ten Years After, Sans Band

Posted on August 4, 2022 by John Clark

John Clark at the end of a literary journey. Some ten years ago, I began putting together short stories about Maine kids who struggled with seemingly impossible situations. Some of the inspiration came from my own growing up experiences, some … Continue reading →