Once Was Lost - Books We Love by Donna
Sometimes I want to read a book because of who wrote it. 
Last week Sara Zarr delivered a powerful message at the winter SCBWI conference. "They say write the book you want to read. I'm going to give the speech that I need to hear," Sara told us. "The time between when you're no longer a beginner but have yet to break into the business is probably the hardest in your career," she said.
"Your greatest creation is your creative life. It's all in your hands. Rejection can't take it away; reviews can't take it away. The life you create for yourself as an artist, may be the only thing that's really yours. Create a life you can center yourself in calmly as you wait for you work to grow."
Sara's comments reminded me of her wonderful book, Once Was Lost, that was just released in paperback. The thoughtful, honest words she shared with fellow writers in her keynote address is exactly the same sentiment that shines through in this story. It's a story of faith, unusual perhaps in today's market, but beautiful in language and layers of complexity.
About the book (as described on her website):
*Utah Book Award Winner
*INSPY Award Winner
*A Kirkus Best Book of 2009
*An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
*Starred reviews from Booklist, Publishers Weekly, and Kirkus
The Muses are always eager to share new discoveries and talent, but it's also wonderful to pick up a great paperback from a writer that inspired us all to remember "Your greatest creation is your creative life." Sometimes you want to read an award winning book from "a colleague, comrade and friend."
Last week Sara Zarr delivered a powerful message at the winter SCBWI conference. "They say write the book you want to read. I'm going to give the speech that I need to hear," Sara told us. "The time between when you're no longer a beginner but have yet to break into the business is probably the hardest in your career," she said.
"Your greatest creation is your creative life. It's all in your hands. Rejection can't take it away; reviews can't take it away. The life you create for yourself as an artist, may be the only thing that's really yours. Create a life you can center yourself in calmly as you wait for you work to grow."
Sara's comments reminded me of her wonderful book, Once Was Lost, that was just released in paperback. The thoughtful, honest words she shared with fellow writers in her keynote address is exactly the same sentiment that shines through in this story. It's a story of faith, unusual perhaps in today's market, but beautiful in language and layers of complexity.
About the book (as described on her website):
Samara Taylor used to believe in miracles. She used to believe in a lot of things. As a pastor’s kid, it’s hard not to buy in to the idea of the perfect family, a loving God, and amazing grace. But lately, Sam has a lot of reason to doubt. Her mother lands in rehab after a DUI and her father seems more interested in his congregation than his family. When a young girl in her small town is kidnapped, the local tragedy overlaps with Sam’s personal one, and the already-worn thread of faith holding her together begins to unravel.
*Utah Book Award Winner
*INSPY Award Winner
*A Kirkus Best Book of 2009
*An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
*Starred reviews from Booklist, Publishers Weekly, and Kirkus
The Muses are always eager to share new discoveries and talent, but it's also wonderful to pick up a great paperback from a writer that inspired us all to remember "Your greatest creation is your creative life." Sometimes you want to read an award winning book from "a colleague, comrade and friend."
2 comments
Those are incredibly wise words. I'm going to have to pick up this book! It sounds like it was an amazing conference!
I loved Once Was Lost (and Sara's other books, too!). And it sounds like she gave a wonderful, inspiring speech at the conference. Would've loved to have been there! :)
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