The Children's Writer: Jane Yolen

In this visit with the prolific, versatile children's/YA author in her Massachusetts home, the usual "techniques/idea evolution/writing styles/character development/writing mechanism" issues are addressed. In Yolen's hands, however, these typical literary subjects come alive because of her completely natural and unpretentious, yet organized and logical, style--and all without benefit of an on-screen interviewer. Yolen also discusses her theories of different types of stories (she writes fantasy, fairy tales, poetry, music, and short stories), her habit of working on 12 projects at once (thereby avoiding the frustrations of writer's block!), how much writers generally get paid (an advance, plus 5-10% of each book sold), and the fact that aspiring writers must love to write, because rejection and a lack of public recognition are almost tools of the trade. The video is enhanced by showing many of the gorgeous illustrations that accompany Yolen's work; it is lessened by the omission of biographical detail, except for the fact that she has a husband and 3 children. Despite this exclusion, this tape is warmly recommended for fans and aspiring writers everywhere. Aud: J, H, C, P. (K. Glaser)