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Patricia Hruby Powell

Author, Storyteller, Dancer

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Why I wrote Loving vs. Virginia – Book Give Away

October 2, 2016 By Patricia Hruby Powell 55 Comments

 

Loving vs. Virginia, a documentary novel told in verse by Patricia Hruby Powell and illustrated lovingvsvirginacoverby Shadra Strickland has a release date of January 31, 2017.

 

But I have some early copies in hand (not ARCs, but the real book, in color ;-). I’m offering 3 giveaways before the book comes out—one for October, one for November, one for December. To be eligible, please subscribe to my blog, and leave a comment saying you’d like a book—you’ll be eligible for all 3 drawings.

 

(Up until now, my blog has been a young adult book review column (previously middle grade books)—the reviews that run in the Champaign Urbana News Gazette once every three weeks).

 

Now for a bit about Loving vs. Virginia.

 

So . . . I’m frequently asked why I chose to write about the Loving v Virginia case. Actually, it chose me.

 

Before my book, Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker (Chronicle 2014) came out, my publisher asked if I’d be interested in writing about the Loving v Virginia case. I did a bit of research and on the U.S. Supreme Court case that ruled in favor of interracial marriage. My parents had brought us up to care about people and fight injustice. This was a perfect fit.

 

My editor, Melissa Manlove, said she would try to get me a contract if I’d write three chapters and an outline of the nonfiction book for teens.

 

The Loving's neighborhood - first trip
The Loving’s neighborhood – first trip

So I set off to Virginia to start researching (more about the research in another post). I submitted those nonfiction chapters and shortly after Melissa called to chat.

 

Melissa: Would you be willing to write this story as a documentary novel?

 

Me: Sure. What’s a documentary novel?

 

(In my early writing career I had frequently and politely refused to change my approach to a book when an editor asked for a rewrite. As a dancer/choreographer I’d been chief cook and bottle washer and was accustomed to doing exactly what I wanted. It took me awhile to learn how brilliant a brilliant editor is; and there’s no editor more brilliant than Melissa.)

 

So, What is a documentary novel? It’s creative nonfiction. It is factual, but there’s a hitch. 168642Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood was a documentary novel. He interviewed the killer, but the victims weren’t around to talk. He created the scenes to create his thriller. Where Loving vs. Virginia is concerned, it is factual but I write in the voices of (African American/Indian) Mildred Jeter Loving alternating with “chapters” from the voice of (white) Richard Loving.

 

Whew, what a gift—to write this story as a documentary novel. Now I could write scenes. Rather than say, the two grew up in an integrated neighborhood where the black, white, and Indian neighbors supported each other and partied together, I could show teenaged Mildred dancing at one of their intergenerational interracial parties with her brother Otha, with Richard looking on. Then Richard offers to drive the family home. In other words, I could show Richard and Mildred falling in love.

Shadra Strickland illustration of the married Loving couple.
Shadra Strickland illustration of the married Loving couple.

Because this is a book for young adults (twelve and up) we decided it should be a love and courtship story, first. (More about researching that in another post).

 

So, yep, I did more research, more interviews, and I submitted the first several chapters of my creative nonfiction and an outline. Chronicle contracted the book. What a lovely situation to be writing a book that you know will be published!

 

Feel free to comment or ask questions. I’ll try to answer as best I can. An upcoming post will discuss the research of the book. Your question might prompt a new post. Thanks, and good luck. Hope you win a book.

 

–Patricia

Filed Under: Book News, Book Reviews Tagged With: book giveaway, Loving v Virginia, Loving vs. Virginia

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Doro says

    October 2, 2016 at 4:52 pm

    OF COURSE I’d like a copy!

    Reply
    • Joyce Burns Zeiss says

      October 2, 2016 at 5:28 pm

      I believe this is also an upcoming movie. I have seen the previews. Would love to read more about it. I wrote a young adult novel Out of the Dragon’s Mouth about a Vietnamese boat person. I am interested in social justice also.

      Reply
      • Patricia Hruby Powell says

        October 3, 2016 at 9:42 am

        Yeah, Joyce, I can’t wait to see the movie, Loving. It opens in Champaign Urbana the day before Thanksgiving. I’ll be talking about the case, my book, at the Art Theater where it plays, the following week. Your book sounds very interesting. It amazes me all the tourism in Viet Nam nowadays. And it’s young people mostly. I know it’s inexpensive. I’ll look up your book.

        Reply
  2. Carol Coven Grannick says

    October 2, 2016 at 5:26 pm

    I can’t wait for the release, Patricia! I’d love a copy.

    Reply
  3. Dawn Malone says

    October 2, 2016 at 5:41 pm

    Congrats on your upcoming release! I’m looking forward to the next post on research as the ‘creative’ aspect of writing nonfiction has always fascinated me. And yes, I’d like to throw my hat into the ring for the chance at a free copy! So happy for you, Patricia!

    Reply
    • Patricia Hruby Powell says

      October 3, 2016 at 9:42 am

      Thanks, Dawn.

      Reply
  4. Louann Brown says

    October 2, 2016 at 6:23 pm

    Your format sounds so interesting. Of course, I’d love a copy.

    Reply
  5. Dana Karraker says

    October 2, 2016 at 8:42 pm

    Patricia,

    I teach Literacy Methods courses at Illinois State University. I have used your book “Josephine” with my students quite often. I will also use “Loving vs. Virginia”. We do a lot of literacy in the content areas in one of my courses. (So a free copy would be lovely)

    Reply
    • Patricia Hruby Powell says

      October 3, 2016 at 9:43 am

      Thank you, Dana. I can’t tell you how delighted I am that you use Josephine. And will be using Loving vs. Virginia.

      Reply
    • Patricia Hruby Powell says

      October 24, 2016 at 2:57 pm

      Dana, be sure to sign up for the blog to be eligible for the give away. (If you already have and I made a mistake, let me know)

      Reply
  6. StephenK says

    October 2, 2016 at 10:37 pm

    There’s a great photo of Mildred and Richard in the National Portrait Gallery. Looking forward to reading Loving v Virginia.

    Reply
    • Kara says

      October 5, 2016 at 2:54 pm

      Oh! I am driving distance from the National Portrait Gallery! I’ll have to go check that out.

      Reply
  7. Patricia Hruby Powell says

    October 3, 2016 at 9:44 am

    Probably a Grey Villet photo, right? He photographed the couple and the family for Life Magazine in the sixties. Thanks, Stephen.

    Reply
  8. Carrie Pearson says

    October 3, 2016 at 10:39 am

    Yay you, Patricia, for being open to trying a different format. This is the right book at the right time. Congratulations to you and Melissa.

    Reply
    • Patricia Hruby Powell says

      October 9, 2016 at 10:24 am

      thanks, Carrie

      Reply
    • Patricia Hruby Powell says

      October 24, 2016 at 2:58 pm

      Carrie, be sure to sign up for the blog posts if you’d like to be eligible for a book give away. Thanks

      Reply
  9. Ayda Parra says

    October 3, 2016 at 12:54 pm

    Patricia I am so happy to hear and see your new book. From the East coast we will be ready to read your book!
    Isabella, Daniela, Paula, and Lucas send their hugs and love.

    Reply
    • Patricia Hruby Powell says

      October 9, 2016 at 10:24 am

      so great to hear from you, Ayda. Trina brings me news of you and the family. xoxo

      Reply
  10. Gretchen Woelfle says

    October 3, 2016 at 5:25 pm

    There are so many untold stories for children that touch on African American history. Thanks for bringing some of them to light. My new book tells a few more: ANSWERING THE CRY FOR FREEDOM: STORIES OF AFRICAN AMERICANS AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.

    Gretchen

    Reply
    • Patricia Hruby Powell says

      October 9, 2016 at 10:25 am

      I can’t wait to read it, Gretchen. Thanks so much

      Reply
  11. Nay says

    October 4, 2016 at 8:52 am

    Yes, I would like a copy!
    Thank you,
    Nay

    Reply
  12. Precious Blake says

    October 4, 2016 at 2:49 pm

    This is amazing! Shadra Strickland is a mentor of mine and I can’t wait to read the book. I would love to be eligible for any of your book giveaways.

    Reply
    • Patricia Hruby Powell says

      October 9, 2016 at 10:26 am

      Great, Precious. Be sure to subscribe to the posts to be eligible. Upper right corner on a computer.

      Reply
      • Patricia Hruby Powell says

        October 24, 2016 at 2:58 pm

        Oops, sorry, I see that you have. Best, Patricia

        Reply
  13. Sue Jobst says

    October 5, 2016 at 2:48 pm

    Hi Patty! I’d love to win a copy of your book!! Of course, who wouldn’t!! So fun to see all your success!!
    Love you,
    Sue Jobst❤️

    Reply
    • Patricia Hruby Powell says

      October 9, 2016 at 10:26 am

      Thanks, Sue. xoxo

      Reply
  14. Claire Shefchik says

    October 5, 2016 at 3:18 pm

    Sounds like a very cool book, Patricia! Can’t wait to check it out!

    Reply
    • Patricia Hruby Powell says

      October 24, 2016 at 3:00 pm

      Thanks, Claire, if you haven’t signed up for the blog, please do that so that you’ll be eligible for the drawing that I’ll do later this week. (before Halloween)

      Reply
  15. Jackie Wypij says

    October 5, 2016 at 4:01 pm

    Wonderful news Patricia! We would love to be entered in the drawing and will be keeping an eye out for the new book in January regardless. I’ll likely be hounding you for an autograph 🙂 I’ve read parts of Josephine to Marcus & Gigi but at their age they are still mostly interested in the cheetah/leopard.

    Reply
    • Patricia Hruby Powell says

      October 9, 2016 at 10:27 am

      Hooray for the cheetah/leopard! It’s an avenue into Josephine. I’ll do a book launch at the Esquire in February for Loving, but haven’t scheduled it yet. Must do.

      Reply
  16. Renice Wernette says

    October 5, 2016 at 4:03 pm

    I would love to have a copy of your _Loving vs Virginia_!

    Reply
  17. Jennifer Wagh says

    October 5, 2016 at 4:05 pm

    When I was a young gal I thought that all prejudices could be erased if everyone married someone different than them self. I may have just been trying to justify my crush on Erik Estrada from CHiPs. 🙂 I did end up marrying my college sweetheart Poojan. Our families couldn’t have been anymore diverse and still the same. We have been married 17 years and counting. And we’re still “loving” one another.
    I would love a copy of your new YA book.
    Jenny

    Reply
  18. Christine Cahill says

    October 5, 2016 at 6:23 pm

    I would love a copy of your new book! I am looking forward to reading it very much. When will you be at the Art Theater? I want to save the date!

    Reply
  19. amalia hoffman says

    October 6, 2016 at 10:11 pm

    That’s just great! I would love to get a copy. I love your style of writing and I’m sure that this book will touch many hearts (Not just teenager’s heart.)

    Reply
  20. Beth says

    October 10, 2016 at 2:08 pm

    I’ve been looking forward to sharing this incredible book ever since I read the ARC. It’s so well done. Can’t wait to buy it for my school libraries!

    Reply
    • Patricia Hruby Powell says

      October 24, 2016 at 2:09 pm

      Thanks so much, Beth. If you want to be eligible for a book giveaway for Oct, Nov, and December, be sure to subscribe to my blog.

      Reply
  21. Shelley Washburne Masar says

    October 11, 2016 at 4:27 pm

    Hi Patty, I feel warmed and gentled by your voice, interesting volume of work one leading you to the next. Sign me up for the drawing, please.

    Reply
  22. nancy says

    October 12, 2016 at 10:03 am

    Great seeing you at Iron Post the other night Patty.
    I loved Josephine and can’t wait to read Loving vs Virginia … I would love a copy of this book!

    Reply
    • Patricia Hruby Powell says

      October 24, 2016 at 2:10 pm

      Great to see you too, Nancy. If you want to be eligible for a book giveaway for Oct, Nov, and December, be sure to subscribe to my blog.

      Reply
    • Patricia Hruby Powell says

      November 26, 2016 at 5:09 pm

      CONGRATULATIONS, Nancy. You won the second give away. Why don’t you email me at phpowell@talesforallages.com and give me your land address and tell me if you want the book just signed, or inscribed to you or to someone else.

      Reply
  23. Melina says

    October 17, 2016 at 10:14 pm

    Thanks for sharing the info about your book. I got to meet and interview Mildred Loving for a radio piece awhile ago. She was a warm and generous person. I look forward to seeing your book when it’s out. The format sounds interesting.

    Reply
    • Patricia Hruby Powell says

      October 18, 2016 at 8:26 am

      Cool, Melina. I wish I could have met her, but I started my research a few years after she died. I “studied” her from watching Hype Ryden’s footage and news clips. She’s SO likeable.

      Reply
    • Patricia Hruby Powell says

      October 24, 2016 at 2:10 pm

      Melina, if you want to be eligible for a book giveaway for Oct, Nov, and December, be sure to subscribe to my blog.

      Reply
  24. Patricia Hruby Powell says

    October 18, 2016 at 8:28 am

    I’ll be drawing for the October winner before Halloween. Please be sure to both 1) leave a comment and 2) subscribe to the posts to be eligible to win a book.
    Best, Good Luck.
    Patricia

    Reply
  25. Deborah Salman says

    October 23, 2016 at 9:40 pm

    I’m really looking forward to reading, and looking, at your new book. Absolutely Baby!

    Reply
  26. Lu Ann McNabb says

    October 24, 2016 at 2:36 pm

    I would love a book about a couple who only wanted to be together and appreciate not only your writing the book but a blog about your research for the book.

    Reply
  27. Kath Brinkmann says

    October 24, 2016 at 3:58 pm

    I enjoy your writing. Hope to win a book.

    Reply
  28. Deb Aronson says

    October 24, 2016 at 4:13 pm

    Hi Patricia, well, I think I’ve subscribed, since I got an email that you had posted this! I would love to have a copy of this book!
    I also applaud your blogging! I, too, have been trying to blog a bit more….it’s an acquired taste, to feel comfortable doing it, I think!!

    Reply
  29. Barbara Magee says

    October 24, 2016 at 4:39 pm

    I’d love a book!

    Reply
  30. Dan says

    October 24, 2016 at 7:44 pm

    I’m very interested in a copy of the book.

    Reply
  31. Lisa Brathwaite says

    October 24, 2016 at 9:31 pm

    Thanks this post, Patricia. I am so happy to learn from you what exactly a documentary novel is, as I’ll admit, I was wondering but hadn’t yet taken the time to seek out the answer. I appreciate you enlightening me! Of course I’d love to win a copy of your book. Fingers crossed!

    Reply
  32. Amy Hassinger says

    October 25, 2016 at 10:15 am

    Hi, Patricia. I’d like to enter for a free copy! Looking forward to the book!

    Reply
  33. W. Nikola-Lisa says

    October 28, 2016 at 2:21 pm

    What a great writer. What a great dancer. What a great person. What a great…wait, what else do I have to say to win a book? Oh, shucks, it don’t matter. I just want to give you a shout out!

    Reply

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  • Moonbird: A Year on the Wind with the Great Survivor B95 by Phillip Hoose
  • “One Came Home” by Amy Timberlake
  • “Titanic: Voices of the Disaster” by Deborah Hopkinson
  • “The Abandoned” by Paul Gallico
  • “Look Up! Bird-Watching in Your Own Backyard” by Annette LeBlanc Cate
  • “Best Friends Forever: A World War II Scrapbook” by Beverly Patt
  • “Lulu and the Duck in the Park” by Hilary McKay
  • “Navigating Early” by Clare Vanderpool
  • “Little White Duck: A Childhood in China” by Na Liu and Andrés Vera Martinez
  • “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio
  • “Liar and Spy” by Rebecca Stead
  • “The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate
  • “Bluefish” by Pat Schmatz
  • “The Dogs of Winter” by Bobbie Pyron
  • “Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature” by Nicola Davies; illustrated by Mark Hearld
  • “A Dog’s Way Home” by Bobbie Pyron
  • “No Shelter Here: Making the World a Kinder Place for Dogs” by Rob Laidlaw
  • “About Average” by Andrew Clements
  • “Kindred Souls” by Patricia MacLachlan and “The Friendship Doll” by Kirby Larson
  • “Unseen Guest” by Maryrose Woods
  • “Countdown” by Deborah Wiles, a documentary novel
  • “Letters to Leo” by Amy Hest and “Bless This Mouse” by Lois Lowry
  • “Jefferson’s Sons: A Founding Father’s Secret Children” by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
  • “Witches: The Absolutely True Tale of Disaster in Salem” by Rosalyn Schanzer
  • “Wonderstruck” by Brian Selznick
  • “Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart,” by Candace Fleming
  • “Waiting for Magic” Patricia MacLachlan & “Saint Louis Armstrong Beach” Brenda Wood
  • Midnight Zoo by Sonya Hartnett
  • “Around the World” by Matt Phelan
  • Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
  • “City of Orphans” by Avi
  • “How to Survive Middle School” by Donna Gephart
  • All the World’s a Stage: A Novel in Five Acts by Gretchen Woelfle
  • Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman
  • “One Crazy Summer” by Rita Williams-Garcia
  • Heart of a Samurai (Newbery Honor) & The Secret World of Whales
  • Newbery 2011 – Moon Over Manifest & Turtle in Paradise
  • Words in the Dust by Trent Reedy
  • First Chapter Books–Some Really Good Ones
  • Cuba Books & interview with Antonio Sacre
  • The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place – by Maryrose Wood – Books One and Two
  • Storyteller by Patricia Reilly Giff (Wendy Lamb Books 2010)

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