THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF LEONARDO DA VINCI written by Elizabeth Pagel-Hogan
I am absolutely delighted that Elizabeth Pagel-Hogan, an award-winning author of stories about mermaids, gadgets, unicorns (and so much more!) is here to share her writing and revision journey for her book nonfiction book THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF LEONARDO DA VINCI launching in May 2021 and beautifully illustrated by Micah Rauch.
Elizabeth also writes textbooks, content for online educational resources, crafts and recipes for magazines and so much more.
Whew!
Just reading that list alone makes me want to lie down.
And onward with the questions...
Thank you, Elizabeth, for sharing the gems of your knowledge. What sparked your story concept?
In August 2018, I had contacted my editor Andi Diehn and told her I loved writing about science and history. She got back in touch almost a year later and asked if I wanted to write a book about Leonardo da Vinci.
I said “YES!”
I used to teach science shows when I worked for Carnegie Science Center, so the hands-on part of this book was perfect for me. Also, I love birds, and Leonardo was a big fan of birds.
How long did it take from idea to book?
Not long! From about September 2019 to February 2020.
Wow! That is awesome...and perhaps a record? What was your revision timeline for the book?
August 2018: I emailed my editor, Andi expressing my interest.
September 2019: Andi replied and asked if I was interested in writing a book.
January 2020: I turned in my first chapter. Andi said it was strong, but she also provided feedback that showed me where I needed more information, or better explanations. I wrote the bulk of the book in January. I did a lot of reading and had fun trying out various hands-on activities.
February 2020: I turned in my first full draft and then I waited and waited.
May 2020: I was supposed to hear back by now, but because of Covid...everything changed. I had to be patient. While I was waiting, my editor sent me the book cover image. It was thrilling to see it!
October 2020: I finally heard from my editor! She had a few changes for me, and I had about a week to make them. This included adding a few more hands-on activities. I spent some time testing out each one.
November 2020: I had to make a few more changes, including revising the timeline at the front of the book.
May 2021: The book launch!
What was the hardest part of revising?
Testing out the projects and making sure they worked!!
It’s very hard to put some of the hands-on activities into words without being able to show someone in person. I had to do each activity step by step and think about how I was holding materials or moving my hands. It was very complex. I often asked family members to try things out using my instructions and I would note where they went wrong, because that meant I had written something wrong.
Did you have an ‘ah-ha!’ moment with your manuscript during the revision process? If so, what triggered it?
I think my biggest ‘aha!’ moment was realizing how much curiosity and hard work Leonardo da Vinci brought to his life. I admired this about him. I decided that was the most important message to share with readers. We don’t have to be geniuses. We can all be curious and work hard.
That is great insight and advice. What other advice do you have for writers? Are there any resources you would recommend to help with the revision process?
I often get an overwhelmed feeling seeing all my editors’ comments. I would advise writers to read through the comments and questions first, one time, then WALK AWAY.
Take a breather. Think things through. Don’t tackle them right away. Read them once, then go do something else. Then come back and read them again. Understand what your editor is saying before you react and jump into revisions.
Then, when you have had a chance to reflect, you can begin the revisions.
And now, Elizabeth has kindly shared the words from one of her earlier drafts...
"But he didn’t just observe, he captured what he saw in sketches and notes on his notebooks. Even as a child, Leonardo sketched what he saw in the land around his home. Stories say Leonardo carried a drawing pad with him everywhere. This might not seem unusual today, but in the 1400s, it was very unusual for a child to have a pencil and paper."
...And her final polished words.
"His endless curiosity and imagination helped him see things that other people overlooked - like birds’ wings. He found answers to questions other people never asked. He created beauty and wonder with his art and science."
THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF LEONARDO DA VINCI comes out May 15...but guess what? You can preorder now at Bookshop.org to learn all about this genius.
Eager for something to read while you wait? Take a look at the three (yes, three!) new graphic novels that Elizabeth has written for young readers which are available now!
Be sure to give Elizabeth a follow on Twitter (@ElizPagelHogan) or Facebook. You can read more about her upcoming stories on her website.
Thank you, Elizabeth!
Stay curious, everybody.