WORD PLAY: PROLIFIC AUTHOR’S PATH TO WRITING CHILDREN’S BOOKS

As the author of 110 children’s books (and counting), Betty Raum found the inspiration for her first book in a frisky kid…of sorts. “It started with a runaway goat,” she laughed.

At the time, her husband Rick was pastor of First Presbyterian in downtown Fargo, and the church had staged an outdoor living Nativity scene. Then a member of the stable bolted, igniting Raum’s imagination: “While my son chased that goat through the streets, I thought, ‘Hey, this would make a great children’s book!’” That spark evolved into Follow That Star: A Christmas Story published in 2001 by Ideals Children’s Books.

Finding a publisher tested her perseverance. “I was rejected 26 times before connecting with Ideals,” she said. “It was a matter of finding the right publisher at the right time with the right story.” That same year, two more books―both for adult readers― were accepted by other publishers. Her career as author Elizabeth Raum took root. Growing up in Vermont, Raum read avidly and dreamed of being a writer. She became an English teacher and honed her skills by writing articles and stories for children’s magazines and other publications, including an essay that appeared in The Washington Post. Raum also obtained a degree in library science and her master’s in English literature.

As a pastor’s wife, she embraced new communities. The Raums came to Casselton, N.D., in the late '70s and then went to other states before landing in Fargo from 1991 to 2003. During that stretch, she worked as an elementary education librarian at Concordia College in Moorhead, further immersing herself in children’s literature.

When they relocated in 2003 to Long Island, N.Y., she began writing full time. “On average, I write 10 books a year, primarily for middle-grade readers across genres that include educational nonfiction, historical fiction, biographies and Christian books,” Raum said. “My deadlines can be as tight as a few weeks, and sometimes I work on manuscripts for a few years.”

In 2013, the couple moved back to North Dakota, eventually settling in Fargo to be closer to family. “It’s wonderful to be back,” Raum said. “I fell in love with North Dakota and the prairies. So much of me is connected to this region that I include examples whenever I can.” In recent books, she’s referenced German Russian immigrants in the Dakotas, area kids who helped build flood dikes, and the devastating 1957 Fargo tornado.

Many of her books earn industry recognition, including several Junior Library Guild selections. Raum also gets recognition from young fans. She visits area schools, conducts Skype calls with classrooms in other states, and receives letters and emails, some from readers as far away as Singapore and Australia.

The most memorable contact came by cell phone. “Two years ago, a fifth grader from Utah called me while on his bus ride home to let me know I was his ‘favorite author in the whole world’,” she said. “He’d read a couple of my books on World War II and wanted to encourage me to write more.”

In addition to her busy schedule of researching and writing, Raum recently became a teaching artist with the North Dakota Council on the Arts as well as the regional advisor for the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) Dakotas Chapter. She’s organizing a SCBWI conference on Sept. 1819 in Fargo that will feature a literary agent, two editors, and best-selling author/illustrator Barbara McClintock, who has North Dakota ties.

“From beginners and up, all are welcome. This conference is a great way to meet experts and learn about the current state of the children’s book market,” Raum said. “We also hold monthly get-togethers for anyone interested in writing for kids, whether it’s picture books, early readers, chapter books or Young Adult fiction.”

Raum has clearly found her writing niche. “Explaining nuclear energy to young readers requires a tremendous learning curve,” she said. “Basically, I have a fifth-grade knowledge of many things.” From Stonehenge to the Taj Mahal, the history of toilets to the future of solar cars, and much more―chances are Raum has written the book. Or will, soon.

Learn More About

Betty Raum’s books: www.elizabethraum.net

SCBWI September 2015 Conference: www.dakotas.scbwi.org or email dakotas@scbwi.org