Volume 1, Issue 2 April 2010
Author Interview: Chris Kreie
The Green Quill: What was your favorite book, or book series, when you were in elementary/middle school?
Kreie: When I was in elementary school there were probably two book series that I enjoyed most. One was Judy Blume’s Fudge series that began with Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. I just loved the humor of Fudge, and even though I was the youngest of three children, for some reason I really identified with Peter, the older brother. The other series that I loved was the Three Investigators series. It’s an older series, but you can still find it in libraries and they even just recently made of a movie of one of the titles, Secret of Skeleton Island. The series is about three friends who solve mysteries. The books were scary and exciting all at the same time!
The Green Quill: In your biography, you say you started writing your stories when you were in your 20’s. Did you like writing stories when you were younger, or did you realize you wanted to become a writer when you were in your 20’s?
Kreie: When I said that, what I meant was that I didn’t really start to write seriously, with the goal of getting published, until my late 20s. I wrote stories as a kid and always enjoyed writing. I still have many of the short stories and poems I wrote when I was younger. But as I grew up I became obsessed with movies and film making. I wanted to be a famous movie director. So, in my teen years and my early 20s all of my writing was focused on turning my stories into videos or films. I even lived in Hollywood for a short time! But as I moved away from movie making I realized that my true passion was for writing the stories, and not necessarily turning them into films. Right now I love the idea of just writing. But maybe one day I’ll journey back into writing scripts for films. I would love that!
The Green Quill: It says in your biography that you learned about life through so many different activities. Do you use some of what you learned when you were younger to help you write your stories, or do you need to do research?
Kreie: Both. And I love the fact that my answer is “both.” I am able to draw upon past experiences, experiences like traveling, sports, music, friendships, and family, but many of my stories still require me to do research. And I’m okay with that. I love learning new things and I love doing research for a purpose. For example, recently I had to do research about white water rafting for a story I was writing. Not only did I find out a lot about rafting but I also learned a great deal about Tasmania, the setting for my story. Because of my research, now I want to travel to Tasmania!
The Green Quill: Do you have any advice for kids who would like to be published?
Kreie: My biggest advice would be just to write, write, write! There are plenty of writing contests and even some magazines that publish stories written by children, like Stone Soupfor example. But I believe the most important thing at your young age is not getting published, but learning how to write. Take classes, write a lot, read a lot, and think a lot. I'm a firm believer, too, in the fact that life experiences lead to good writing. Get out there and do stuff! Writing is awesome, but don't spend all your time cooped up in your house writing and reading. The people you meet and the activities you do will inspire you to write good stories later!The Green Quill: Thankyou so much for taking the time to talk to us.
You can read and borrow several of Chris Kreie’s books from your local library
Visit Chris Kreie at www.chriskreie.com
Marley and Me Literary Anaylsis
By Anne L.
“Man, was he happy- desperately happy.” (p.20). From the day the Grogan’s brought Marley, a wild yellow lab, home, he never ceased to find the joys in life. Unfortunately, Marley also refused to be trained, running wild around the Grogan home. Marley and Me, John Grogan’s memoir, tells the story of the Grogan family and their crazy dog. It starts with the newlywed Mr. and Mrs. Grogan and their new dog, Marley. The book continues as their lives change; they move houses, have children, and switch jobs. Marley is with them through it all. He is used as the focal point of their story, staying with them as life goes by. Marley and Me is a good read because of the characters, themes, and connections with the reader.
Even though the themes of Marley and Me are relayed through the great yellow lab, they are universal and can be applied to anyone. The main theme is that of the simple joys of life. Marley, crazy as he was, stayed happy, no matter what happened. For example, in the book, John Grogan describes a scene in which Marley chases any rabbits he sees, having the time of his life, even though he never catches one. He lives in the moment and proves having a good life is all about the attitude. Second, the issue of mortality is looked at. As with all dogs, Marley lived a relatively short life. The short life of any dogs could cause one to think about when their own life will end and how short a period of time we have as humans. Finally, Marley and Me examines companionship, specifically that of a dog. Marley was constantly at the Grogan’s side and was loyal, despite his disobedience. The universal themes of Marley and Me send important messages to readers of the book.
The characters of this book are another one of its great aspects. Marley, the Labrador, is the main character and very lovable. Regardless of his destructive nature, he appeals to the reader because of his energy and enthusiasm. To illustrate, in his later years, Marley follows the Grogans everywhere, up and down stairs despite a failing hip. John Grogan, the husband and author, is another likable character. He tells the story in a funny, sarcastic way, so it is possible to understand what made Marley such a wonderful dog. Finally, his wife, Jenny, is the down to earth person for most of the story. She knows what is sensible and what is not and maintains a calm disposition. For example, she acts as calmly as possible when Marley runs away tied to an iron table. All in all, the characters really give Marley and Me a great feel and personality.
This is also a great book because of the connection made with the reader. The Grogans lead a pretty ordinary life throughout the book. They get married, have kids, and go through many changes one would expect, such as moving to another city. Many people can connect with the difficulties of life. Also, the Grogans own a dog. A large group of Americans, especially those that read Marley and Me, own dogs. They share the same feeling of joy towards them that John Grogan writes about. Last, the Grogan family experiences the ups and downs of life. No one’s life is perfect, so everyone can relate to this. In conclusion, the connection to real life adds the finishing touch to Marley and Me.
Marley and Me is a good read because of the characters, themes, and connection with the reader. As John Grogan wrote, “a person can learn a lot from a dog, even a loopy one like ours.” (p.279) A person can learn a lot from a dog and even more from Marley.
By Anne L.
“Man, was he happy- desperately happy.” (p.20). From the day the Grogan’s brought Marley, a wild yellow lab, home, he never ceased to find the joys in life. Unfortunately, Marley also refused to be trained, running wild around the Grogan home. Marley and Me, John Grogan’s memoir, tells the story of the Grogan family and their crazy dog. It starts with the newlywed Mr. and Mrs. Grogan and their new dog, Marley. The book continues as their lives change; they move houses, have children, and switch jobs. Marley is with them through it all. He is used as the focal point of their story, staying with them as life goes by. Marley and Me is a good read because of the characters, themes, and connections with the reader.
Even though the themes of Marley and Me are relayed through the great yellow lab, they are universal and can be applied to anyone. The main theme is that of the simple joys of life. Marley, crazy as he was, stayed happy, no matter what happened. For example, in the book, John Grogan describes a scene in which Marley chases any rabbits he sees, having the time of his life, even though he never catches one. He lives in the moment and proves having a good life is all about the attitude. Second, the issue of mortality is looked at. As with all dogs, Marley lived a relatively short life. The short life of any dogs could cause one to think about when their own life will end and how short a period of time we have as humans. Finally, Marley and Me examines companionship, specifically that of a dog. Marley was constantly at the Grogan’s side and was loyal, despite his disobedience. The universal themes of Marley and Me send important messages to readers of the book.
The characters of this book are another one of its great aspects. Marley, the Labrador, is the main character and very lovable. Regardless of his destructive nature, he appeals to the reader because of his energy and enthusiasm. To illustrate, in his later years, Marley follows the Grogans everywhere, up and down stairs despite a failing hip. John Grogan, the husband and author, is another likable character. He tells the story in a funny, sarcastic way, so it is possible to understand what made Marley such a wonderful dog. Finally, his wife, Jenny, is the down to earth person for most of the story. She knows what is sensible and what is not and maintains a calm disposition. For example, she acts as calmly as possible when Marley runs away tied to an iron table. All in all, the characters really give Marley and Me a great feel and personality.
This is also a great book because of the connection made with the reader. The Grogans lead a pretty ordinary life throughout the book. They get married, have kids, and go through many changes one would expect, such as moving to another city. Many people can connect with the difficulties of life. Also, the Grogans own a dog. A large group of Americans, especially those that read Marley and Me, own dogs. They share the same feeling of joy towards them that John Grogan writes about. Last, the Grogan family experiences the ups and downs of life. No one’s life is perfect, so everyone can relate to this. In conclusion, the connection to real life adds the finishing touch to Marley and Me.
Marley and Me is a good read because of the characters, themes, and connection with the reader. As John Grogan wrote, “a person can learn a lot from a dog, even a loopy one like ours.” (p.279) A person can learn a lot from a dog and even more from Marley.
Tangled Skis
By: Vanessa V.
I have tangled skis. What should I do? It hurts, I’m lying in the snow. The snow is going up my back. No one is coming. Am I going to be here all night? I hope not! Finally someone came and didn’t even help me, they just passed by me and kept on skiing. I guess I’ll be stuck here forever, unless I can get them off!
Earth Day
By: Vanessa V.
Earth Day is a great day to help the earth. Some people pick up garbage to help the earth. You should always reduce, reuse and recycle. You should always turn off the faucet when you are brushing your teeth. Try to do these things for the earth!
Homemade Chocolate Dream
By Anonymous
First, melt 1 1/2 cups of Milk Chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl in the microwave for 1 minute. Take it out, stir, and pop it back in for 30 seconds. Stir. Next, pour 1 cup of White chocolate chips into a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 1 minute. Stir, and microwave for 30 more seconds. Take out, and stir. When both chocolates are smooth, take 3 spoonfuls of the white chocolate and dollop them onto separate areas of the milk chocolate. With a small butter knife, stir them in in spiral motions, and when the chocolate is brown again, mix the rest of the chocolate in like you did with the first 3 spoonfuls. When the chocolate is completely brown, take a spoon, and dollop the chocolate mixture onto an aluminum foil wrapped pan (you may need to use 2 pans). Put the pan (s) into the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes while they cool and harden. When they are cool, take them off the pan and if you wish, wrap them in 3x3 inch squares of aluminum foil, otherwise store on a plate. Store the chocolates in the refrigerator to finish cooling and always keep them in the fridge so that they don’t melt.
