Joyce Maynard—Alumna, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1970 and 1971
“I wrote the book I wanted to read”
The Inside Story
Everyone has something unique to say to the world. For those that feel they don’t have anything to say, or are not skilled enough, remember—you are in a unique position to tell your own story. No one can tell it better than you. I was lucky, in that my parents raised me with the conviction that what I wrote was worthwhile, that it mattered. People often get hung up on labels, with the misconception that you have to be published before you can be considered a “Writer.” Not true. If you write, then you are a writer. (Even if it is your idea scribbled on a napkin at McDonald’s…) In fact, know how valuable not publishing your work is. I published very young, at 19, and then lived for 30 years with that book on my shelf. I don’t spend a lot of time on regrets, but one would be leaving college at 18. I really missed having that stretch of years to read, develop, study, experiment and fail—all in a safe environment.
Current Status
I am always working on several projects at once. I’m proud when I can write something that makes people cry or laugh. I am finishing a comic novel, which is my way of taking what I know and making art. I’m also beginning a young adult novel. This novel is giving me the opportunity to explore a subject (autism) that I do not know a lot about. I am also working on a non-fiction book about murder, and my newest book, The Cloud Chamber, was released in June 2005.
Joyce has generously supported the work of the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers in so many ways—as a speaker at the 75th Anniversary of The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards in 1998, as well as the Celebration Benefit in 2003. Joyce also wrote the forward for “The Best Teen Writing of 2003” and served as a Juror for The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 2005.
Career Path/Artistic Path
Along with writing, teaching has been very rewarding for me creatively. I am most proud of being able to help young people tell their stories. My advice: trust your passions. Do not write to please. The one thing that will keep you on track is writing what you feel most deeply about. Always keep your writing grounded in what is real, even in fantasy. One test that I use in my teaching and my writing is: “Could you draw a picture of this sentence? Could you shoot a movie of this paragraph?” Whatever you are writing, it must be grounded in reality. Science fiction, fantasy—everything you write must have emotional truth.
Books
The Cloud Chamber
The Usual Rules
A Home in the World
To Die For (Also a movie starring Nicole Kidman)
Single Woman of A Certain Age
“I wrote the book I wanted to read”
The Inside Story
Everyone has something unique to say to the world. For those that feel they don’t have anything to say, or are not skilled enough, remember—you are in a unique position to tell your own story. No one can tell it better than you. I was lucky, in that my parents raised me with the conviction that what I wrote was worthwhile, that it mattered. People often get hung up on labels, with the misconception that you have to be published before you can be considered a “Writer.” Not true. If you write, then you are a writer. (Even if it is your idea scribbled on a napkin at McDonald’s…) In fact, know how valuable not publishing your work is. I published very young, at 19, and then lived for 30 years with that book on my shelf. I don’t spend a lot of time on regrets, but one would be leaving college at 18. I really missed having that stretch of years to read, develop, study, experiment and fail—all in a safe environment.
Current Status
I am always working on several projects at once. I’m proud when I can write something that makes people cry or laugh. I am finishing a comic novel, which is my way of taking what I know and making art. I’m also beginning a young adult novel. This novel is giving me the opportunity to explore a subject (autism) that I do not know a lot about. I am also working on a non-fiction book about murder, and my newest book, The Cloud Chamber, was released in June 2005.
Joyce has generously supported the work of the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers in so many ways—as a speaker at the 75th Anniversary of The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards in 1998, as well as the Celebration Benefit in 2003. Joyce also wrote the forward for “The Best Teen Writing of 2003” and served as a Juror for The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 2005.
Career Path/Artistic Path
Along with writing, teaching has been very rewarding for me creatively. I am most proud of being able to help young people tell their stories. My advice: trust your passions. Do not write to please. The one thing that will keep you on track is writing what you feel most deeply about. Always keep your writing grounded in what is real, even in fantasy. One test that I use in my teaching and my writing is: “Could you draw a picture of this sentence? Could you shoot a movie of this paragraph?” Whatever you are writing, it must be grounded in reality. Science fiction, fantasy—everything you write must have emotional truth.
Books
The Cloud Chamber
The Usual Rules
A Home in the World
To Die For (Also a movie starring Nicole Kidman)
Single Woman of A Certain Age
Please visit Joyce’s website: http://www.joycemaynard.com/ for additional information and pie recipes.
Recognition through The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
- 1st Award, 2nd Award, The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 1966
- 4th Award, Honorable Mention, The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 1967
- (2) 1st Awards, The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 1968
- Honorable Mention, The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 1970
- 1st Award, 3rd Award, The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 1971
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