Chris Barton's Writing Insights

Chris Barton, author of 'Woosh! Lonnie Johnson's Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions,' shares his journey of persistence in writing, detailing how his first book took eight years and 23 rejections before publication. He discusses his research process, including interviewing Lonnie Johnson, which was pivotal for the book. Chris also offers advice to young writers, emphasizing the importance of jotting down ideas, staying active for inspiration, and finding a writing community. He concludes by expressing gratitude to readers and hopes to visit schools soon.

What is the main theme of Chris Barton's book 'Woosh'?

• The joy of discovery

• The power of perseverance

• The importance of teamwork

• The value of education

How many years did it take Chris Barton to publish his first book?

• Twelve years

• Five years

• Eight years

• Ten years

How many rejection letters did Chris Barton receive for 'The Day-Glo Brothers'?

• 23

• 20

• 15

• 30

Did Chris Barton play with a Super Soaker during his research for the book?

• No, but he wanted to

• Yes, he played with several

• No, he did not

• Yes, but only once

What was a significant difference in researching for 'Woosh' compared to Chris Barton's previous books?

• He had more time

• He could interview the main character

• He had less information available

• He used more online resources

How did Chris Barton initially find out about Lonnie Johnson?

• Through a friend

• At a conference

• By Googling African American scientists

• From a newspaper article

What was one of the challenges Chris Barton faced in researching Lonnie Johnson's story?

• Getting access to libraries

• Traveling to different countries

• Finding accurate information

• Interviewing multiple people

What is one piece of advice Chris Barton gives to young writers?

• Read as much as possible

• Always carry a notebook

• Write every day

• Focus on one genre

According to Chris Barton, what activity can help generate story ideas?

• Watching movies

• Going for walks or runs

• Attending workshops

• Listening to music

Why does Chris Barton recommend finding a writing community?

• To get published faster

• To improve writing skills

• To find a co-author

• To learn about different genres