It took me three weeks plus 10 years. I first heard the story when I was in Graduate Library School at the University of Chicago in 1975 and it made me laugh. Ten years later (and by that time I was married with four children!) it popped into my mind and I started wondering if I should try to write my own version. Initially, I was stumbled by a part of the story that just didn’t make sense: Why, if Jack worked so hard at being mean, why would he ask people to have a meal with him? I had to come up with a reason that fit his ornery but somehow lovable character. Then it hit me: Jack HAD to be nice every once in awhile or he wouldn’t have anyone to be mean to! As soon as that problem was solved I got excited because I felt like I really understood Jack from the inside out. I wrote the first draft in a week. Of course, the polishing and re-writing took several more weeks. A first draft comes fast for me once something sparks my excitement. It’s patiently waiting for the spark that takes all the time.
Questions From Kids Series
- Questions From Kids #2: What Do You Like Best and Least...? - 07-08-2014
- Questions From Kids #1: How Long Did It Take You to Finish Your First Book, Wicked Jack? - 07-01-2014
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About Connie Nordhielm Wooldridge
Biography | View
- Just Fine They Way They Are (Calkins Creek, March 1, 2011)
- The Brave Escape of Edith Wharton (Clarion Books, 2010)
- Thank You Very Much, Captain Ericsson! (Holiday House, 2005; Berndtsdotter Books, 2012)
- When Esther Morris Headed West (Holiday House, 2001)
- The Legend of Strap Buckner (Holiday House, 2001)
- Wicked Jack (Holiday House, 1995)
Speaker / Presenter
Connie is an experienced speaker and presenter who enjoys sharing her passion for writing and her experience as a writer with readers and writers of all ages. She has presented to students, community, civic and professional organizations, writing groups, library audiences, and seniors – wherever book lovers gather! >> More Information About Connie Speaking and Presenting