My good friend and collaborator Janet Wong is receiving the NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children at the annual convention (virtually) next week. I am so excited and happy for her! In celebration, I persuaded her to do a Vogue-style interview with me. Here she answers 10 questions about her routines, her childhood, and her writing. Enjoy! (Click on the white triangle in the center to advance the video)
Do yourself a favor and check out one of Janet's books. She is such a gifted poet and storyteller!
And of course, Janet and I have also collaborated on a dozen poetry anthologies featuring hundreds of poems by many different poets. So proud of those! Yay for Pomelo Books!
If you're attending the NCTE convention (virtually), be sure and tune in to her acceptance speech on Saturday, Nov. 20. We'll also be presenting together along with Carole Boston Weatherford and Elizabeth Steinglass on Sunday, Nov. 21. Look for us there:
Meanwhile, head on over to Radio, Rhythm and Rhyme where Matt is hosting our Poetry Friday gathering this week.
Oh, my gosh! That was so much fun. I'm delighted that I got to do a workshop with the two of you last month. You are such a dynamic duo. And, the washing of dishes really is a thing! I found myself telling students that there weren't enough dirty dishes in the house to wash when I was listening to an audio book (was demo-ing SORA at the time) because I could listen for hours and hours. LOL. Thank you for this interview and all the positive poetry energy you both put out into the world.
ReplyDeleteFascinating and fun interview, you two! Congratulations again to Janet - such a well-deserved honor!
ReplyDeleteLOVE LOVE LOVE the interview!! And huge CONGRATS to Janet on her well deserved award. I would agree that she is very generous -- in many ways. Do you think she could come to my house and wash the dishes?
ReplyDeleteLinda: You are definitely a kindred spirit. I like listening to books while washing dishes, too!
ReplyDeleteMatt: Thanks for watching. Loved chatting with you at the last NCTE that we had in person.
Jama: If you cook for me, I will wash your dishes. DEAL!
Congratulations, Janet!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun interview! :) I enjoyed watching it.
I loved that your interviews took place while you were doing the dishes! You are an inspiration AND you are generous. I enjoyed hearing about your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this, Sylvia. I'm excited for Janet. She is so deserving! I wish I could watch her accept the award. I know her speech is going to be inspiring. Maybe someone will record it and share with us?
ReplyDeleteSeeing Janet washing dishes made me smile!!! I watched all of the Anthology 201 videos while washing dishes! : )
How home-y to be able to chat with Janet while she washes the dishes! Thanks for this wonderful interview, you two! And Janet...endless gratitude for all you have done/do/will do for poets and poetry!! All Hail the NCTE Poetry Award Queen!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Janet! A well-deserved recognition of your talent and work.
ReplyDeleteSarah: Thanks for your compliment! It was FUN to do this video with Sylvia, so I'm glad that it came through. And speaking of fun, kids LOVE your poem "Rainbow Dance" from HOP TO IT!!
ReplyDeleteJanice, Linda, and Mary Lee: Sylvia didn't want a "talking head" interview and she was so right about that, wasn't she? Now I'll think of your uplifting comments when I do the dishes!
Patty: Thanks for your comments about talent and work, but we all know it's mainly LUCK, right? Will be thinking of you when I go and "pick a pine tree" next month!
Wowsa Janet! What a wonderful honor - Congratulations! The interview was so sudsy and fun and your cheerfulness is contagious. Thank you for all you do for poetry!
ReplyDeleteGenerous would be at the top of my list of words to describe Janet as well. This interview was absolutely delightful, and Sylvia, your questions were inspired. I really think you should consider a continued series of "Kitchen Sink Interviews" with poets. I would watch every single one. Love love love.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun interview! Congratulations on your wonderful achievement and for sharing your beautiful poetry, insight and advice with all of us!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sylvia! I loved hearing from Janet as she was doing her dishes, and loved your graphic additions, too. Every part of Janet's advice is welcome, & Janet, I do spelling be every morning, too! I'm often a little sad when it's over & I have to wait for the next morning's bee!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sylvia for this hilarious, creative (and clean!--so CLEAN!) interview of our community's very own Janet, Poet/Author/Publisher/Collaborator/Teacher/Encourager/Sharer/and, yes, Ladybug🐞 of the Universe
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Janet! I am thrilled you are being honored! It's been my honor to get to know you and Sylvia a little bit by taking your Anthology Courses. Thank you, both, for your generosity! This interview was upbeat, full of information, and fun - just like the two of you!
ReplyDeleteWell you both put a new spin on interviews, watch out if dish-interviews become a thing… Delightful interview, I've always liked ladybugs, and you left me wanting more. Congrats on your NCTE award Janet, and thanks for all you both do for the poetry community!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Janet! Thanks for al you do for, with and to poetry! Hugs! Carole
ReplyDeleteGenerous would be at the top of my list of words to describe Janet as well. This interview was absolutely delightful, and Sylvia, your questions were inspired. I really think you should consider a continued series of "Kitchen Sink Interviews" with poets. I would watch every single one. Love love love.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a fun interview and yay to doing it while doing the dishes! Looking forward to celebrating you and your wonderful work!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun and fantastic interview! I'm so glad Janet didn't become a fashion designer! Though if poetry captured her from law, I guess it pry would've done the same from fashion. Congratulations on your wonderful award, Janet!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sylvia and Janet. I loved watching the ten questions video. It was fun to get to know you there. Congratulations to you, Janet! Thank you, Sylvia, for sharing the great news and video.
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