Ursula Dubosarsky visits

<%@LANGUAGE="JAVASCRIPT" CODEPAGE="1252"%> Ursula Dubosarsky visits

Senior School Library

IBO / OCC

Ursula Dubosarsky

Children's author, Ursula Dubosarsky, recently visited St Paul's for a day of small group workshops which Mrs Hammer organised for the Student Writer's Group.

During this time she spoke of many things - including the fact that she first knew she wanted to be a writer at the age of 6. This early decision wasn't followed up seriously however, until as a young mother she was encouraged by a close friend from school to get started!

** Ursula with 2 students from the SPGS Writer's Group holding sample objects that could used for writing inspiration

Ursula has written more than 20 books. Her most recently released books include: Rex, a picture book about a class pet, and Theodora's Gift, a long awaited sequel to the First Book of Samuel. In fact, Theodora's Gift was written in response to many letters and emails from readers asking for a book which focused on Theodora, Samuel’s step-sister. This intense interest demonstrates the power of Ursula's characterisation in her writing.

The earlier book, the First Book of Samuel, was Ursula's response to memories of her visits to Israel and correspondence with an elder within a kibbutz where she spent a year. She also revealed how the characters of her books are blends of different people she knew - except perhaps for Mr Grace from her very first published book: Maisie and the Pinny Gig!

Ursula spoke of other tools she has used to stimulate her writing - a book about a doll's house for Abyssinia, a board game for Game of the Goose, and a class toy for Rex. She also indicated how the writing process can be different for everyone - she likes to fully develop her characters and set the stage before any action occurs, and then ask: "I wonder what will happen today?", while other authors may use quite elaborate plans before they begin and set somewhat strict writing tasks and times for each day.

** Recent picture book release, REX - Image source: www.penguin.com.au

St Paul's students and teachers, who had read many of her books before the visit, were then able to consider the experience of this successful children's author and discuss elements of her work, one to one. Students then spent time reflecting and working on their own writing while implementing Ursula’s suggestions. They have gathered some very tactile strategies to stimulate the imagination that might also inspire and motivate the creative appetite… just in time for the holidays!

Some student comments on the visit:

I have learned how a simple image can bloom into a world of stories. (Alex)

I really found it helpful to talk to a “real” author. Thank you for the experience. (Samantha)

I think it’s appreciated (and good to be reminded) that a successful author doesn’t always bloom by high school and that it sometimes takes time or inspiration to get started. (Stephanie)

I have definitely been inspired to write some of the many stories drifting around in my head. (Ben)

I have appreciated learning how authors are influenced to write novels, and how authors start off and gradually grow… (Steph (Azz))

I was really fascinated by ‘The First Book of Samuel’ and the parallels between Ursula’s novel and the Bible story. (Hannah)

For more detail about Ursula and her books see her web site: www.ursuladubosarsky.com

Updated on: May 15, 2007