Today we continue the series in which award-winning
nonfiction authors discuss the joys and challenges of the research process with
an essay by Suzanne Slade. Thank you, Suzanne.
While
writing the picture book, Daring Dozen: The Twelve Who Walked on the Moon,
I had an out-of-this-world research adventure.
As a
mechanical engineer who’s worked on rockets, I’m captivated by space
exploration. In my initial research for Daring Dozen, I had a blast
watching videos of astronauts bouncing across the moon; studying moon rocks,
spacesuits, and spacecraft at museums; and reading Apollo transcripts.
(Sidenote: In the groovy 1970s the astronauts called each other “Babe.”)
While
that research was fascinating, I had one more (rather ambitious) goal:
interview an astronaut who’d walked on the moon. At the time, eight of the
twelve moonwalkers were living. I scoured the internet for their contact information and reached out to
several on social media. But had no luck.
Over time, I became intrigued by Alan Bean, the fourth man on the moon.
After
retiring from NASA in the 1980s, Alan began painting full-time. He’s painted many
glorious lunar scenes over textured backgrounds created with space tools. Some
even include bits of his Apollo 12 spacecraft and sprinkles of moon
dust.
While
clicking around Alan’s website one day, I discovered a “contact” button
for inquiries about his art. Technically I wanted to inquire about much more than just his art, but I clicked anyway.
Then I carefully crafted an email to Alan with the hope of
generating enthusiasm about the project. I explained that I was an engineer
who’d worked on rockets, why his expertise was crucial to the project, and most
importantly, how this book would inspire young readers.
But I couldn’t get up the nerve to send the email. Finally, I
realized the worst that might happen was he wouldn’t respond, or simply say
“no.” So I hit “Send.”
To my
delight, Alan agreed to answer a few questions via email. But typing up answers
soon became too time consuming, and he asked me to call him the next Monday at
9:00 a.m. I was over-the-moon!
On Monday, I woke early to review the questions I
planned to ask. I nervously cleared my throat, then dialed his number. Alan
answered right away and politely asked me to call him back at our appointed
time, then hung up.
I
panicked, then rechecked the time zone map to confirm his Houston home was on
Central Time. I reread his email, which said to call at 9:00 a.m. on Monday. I
was stumped!
Then I
noticed my computer’s clock said 8:58 a.m. Hmm.
Did he
mean I should call him back at exactly 9:00 a.m.—in two minutes? I panicked
again. What else could he mean?
Two
minutes later I dialed his number. He answered and said, “Hi Suzanne, I’m ready
to talk now.” Whew
What a
thrill to hear firsthand what it felt like to bound across the moon. Alan also
discussed his friendship with fellow Apollo 12 moonwalker, Pete Conrad, their
harrowing launch (their rocket was hit by lightning twice!), and his one
regret—he wished he’d smuggled a football on their mission and thrown the longest
pass in the universe (à la Alan Shepard’s lunar golf outing.)
After our
call I was star struck! Actually, you wouldn’t have wanted to run into me at the
grocery because I could work, “Like my friend Alan Bean always says …” into any conversation.
Months
later, I enjoyed another phone interview with Alan where he shared personal
insights, such as how he’d learned to work with other astronauts and be a team
player. Plus, he agreed to write an afterword for Daring Dozen—a
priceless addition to the book!
As a
thank you, I promised to mail Alan copies of Daring Dozen for his
grandchildren. Unfortunately, he passed away before
the book released, so I sent them to his wife.
Looking
back, I’m glad I didn’t give up on my research quest. Because when the stars
align for an inquisitive, persistent writer, and you get to work with an
amazing expert like Alan, it makes all the difference in a book project.
Of
course, not all attempts to work with experts are successful. During my
research for A Computer Called Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Helped Put
America on the Moon, I located the Virginia nursing home where Katherine
lived.
But
Katherine wasn’t physically able to do an interview. So instead, I studied
several recorded interviews she’d done through the years. I also tracked down
and interviewed two “women computers” who worked at NASA when Katherine was there.
Consulting
an expert is a research technique any writer can do. A student working on a
baseball story could interview a local baseball coach. A child writing about
Mars might ask NASA’s
ROVE-E robot a few questions or talk to someone at a nearby
planetarium. Working with the right expert is a thrilling adventure that can
make nonfiction writing even more exciting!
Suzanne Slade
is the Sibert Honor author of 150 children’s books. As a mechanical engineer
who worked on rockets, many of her books are about STEM topics as well as her
Chicago hometown heroes. Recent titles include The Universe and You; Mars
Is; June Almeida, Virus Detective!; Swish! The Slam-Dunking, Alley-Ooping,
High-Flying Harlem Globetrotters; Countdown: 29797 Days to the Moon; and Astronaut
Annie (read on the
Space Station.)
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One Response
I love reading these stories behind the stories!