Friday, December 23, 2011

Things to Do If You Are Santa Claus: An Original List Poem



The year 2011 has indeed been a great one for me. I became a grandmother--which was truly a thrill! I also sold my first book--a collection of "things to do" poems--to Chronicle Press. I signed the contract in the fall. I thought I'd wait until now to make the announcement.

One of the most interesting things about the sale of my poetry manuscript: I didn't submit it to Chronicle. Grace Lin did. She sent it to her editor there--who liked the collection.


Grace Lin

As the year 2011 comes to a close, I'd to thank two good friends who helped critique and give me suggestions about my "things to do" poetry collection: Janet Wong and, of course, Grace LinI also want to thank my daughter and son-in-law for giving me the most adorable granddaughter in the world!

My Granddaughter Julia Anna


I thought I'd write a special "things to do" Christmas poem to celebrate the sale of my poetry manuscript. I still have to work on the ending. Note: I don't have as much time for blogging and writing now because I spend half the week providing daycare for Julia Anna. She's the gift that keeps on giving!

Things to Do If You Are Santa Claus

Have a big round belly,
Cheeks rosy red.
Wear a furry cap
On top of your head,
A wide black belt
With a buckle of gold.
Live at the top of the world
Where it's cold.
Grow a bushy beard
That's white as snow.
Be jolly and laugh
With a Ho-Ho-Ho!
On Christmas Eve,
Set off on your sleigh
With a red-nosed reindeer
Leading the way
Through a midnight sky
On a chilling night
When a guiding star
Blazes bright.



The Poetry Friday Roundup is at Dori Reads.

10 comments:

Linda B said...

I've loved seeing the photos of your granddaughter as I had the gift of a granddaughter too this year, about the same time. We've been keeping her on Mondays, & it is a wonderful gift, as you say. Huge congratulations on the acceptance of your book! That is such great news, a real gift for Christmas. I love the idea of your poem; Santa is very special for sure, & he has to get it right!

jama said...

WooHoo!! Congratulations, Elaine!! *cartwheels* *backflips* *cheers from the rooftop*

So thrilled for you; I've always loved all your "things to do" poems. And Chronicle Books, no less, one of my favorite publishers! :) (Hooray,Grace, for submitting the MS!)

What a great year, indeed. Have the best of holidays, so much to celebrate!! ((hugs)) to Julia Anna

Elaine Magliaro said...

Linda & Jama,

Thanks! Grace is definitely a true friend. She also helped me get my first children's poem published in the book "Robert's Snowflakes."

I can't wait to find out who will illustrate my poetry collection.

Donna Smith said...

Another new grandma here! What a gift for 2011. Congratulations on your book acceptance and wishing you many more!

Mary Lee said...

What a sweetie pie! I know you are having fun and sharing lots of great books with the wee one! We miss you here, but keep on with the important grandma work! (and keep writing poetry!)

Doraine said...

Congratulations, Elaine!! Woohoo for the birth of book and baby. I'm so thrilled for you. Enjoy, celebrate.

janet wong said...

Congratulations on a fabulous year--and how about Book #2 for next year?

Jules at 7-Imp said...

Oh my goodness, she is so beautiful! And CONGRATULATIONS on the book deal! I cannot *wait* to read that. So excited for you!

Happy holidays!

Catherine said...

Congratulations! Your granddaughter is so beautiful, and what a thrill to have a publisher for your poetry collection! I love your poetry and can't wait to see the book!

Charles Waters said...

What great news. Grandmother and soon to have your very own collection in the world! All well deserved! Happy 2012.