From: Aprilstory at aol.com <Aprilstory>
Date: Mon, 30 Sep 2002 16:55:50 EDT

I was writing a picture book in the mid-eighties about a boy and an elevator, and was warned by many in the field not to touch this subject, as children can get into trouble on elevators.

Shortly thereafter, I heard Virginia Hamilton speak, and went up to her to ask about M. C. Higgins the Great. Part of the reason I love this book is because M.C. is up on that incredible pole so high.

I asked her about putting her main characters in danger, and though I can't remember exactly what she said, I know that she encouraged me to write the story that needed to be written.

Inspired, I finished the book and sent it off to my agent. Unfortunately, a child was killed playing in an elevator in New York that same month, and my agent suggested we put the story away for several years...

I'm still inspired by M.C!

April Halprin Wayland www.aprilwayland.com GIRL COMING IN FOR A LANDING--a novel in poems
Received on Mon 30 Sep 2002 03:55:50 PM CDT