Frank Nappi's Blog, page 2
November 11, 2012
Teaching on a Tightrope
Teaching on a Tight-Rope
Teaching my novel to my own students is an experience I shall never forget - thrilling yes, but only in a manner tantamount to a dream where I am walking a tight-rope stretched precariously across a ravine filled with rapacious creatures, all without the comfort of a safety net. Or perhaps clothing. Or both.
Gasp.
Not too long ago, both the English Director and the Superintendent of the school district where I teach English and Creative Writing recognized the value of my students reading my novel, The Legend of Mickey Tussler, in class. All of us acknowledged the unique nature of such an endeavor and proceeded with alacrity. “Your students will benefit from ‘asking the author’ about the creation of plot, characters, writer’s craft, etc.” my supervisor said. “And be given immediate, first-hand feedback. It is priceless.” The superintendent was equally ebullient. “Frank, this is a wonderful opportunity for both you and your students,” he gushed. “They get the privilege of hearing you speak about the creation of the story they are reading and analyzing it and you will be able to ascertain valuable insights into my own story as seen through the eyes of some hesitant yet inquisitive minds in return.” Hearing their spirited sentiments buoyed my own zeal. Yes, this would be a blast - an extreme alteration of the traditional classroom milieu - the pinnacle of an English teacher’s customary practice. What could possibly be more fulfilling?
Cue the tight-rope.
The first wave of trepidation came by way of a diffident, slight girl who occupied the very first seat in front of me.
“But what if we don’t like the book,” she asked in tremulous tones. “We don’t want to insult you Mr. Nappi with what we say?” I was able to ameliorate her concerns easily enough. I simply explained that we would spend some time analyzing my book in class, similar to the way we had done Huckleberry Finn, Ethan Frome, and The Great Gatsby. In an attempt to further assuage her angst, I shared that I had spoken to students from other school districts who read the book and although much of what we talked about was of the critical variety, I was still emotionally in tact and no students who voiced displeasure of any kind suffered any form of malediction. She was satisfied, but I was unmoored; the report of the shot she had fired resonated in my ears like the clashing of cymbals. What if they really don’t like it? I thought. Then what? My apprehension burgeoned exponentially and I felt the need to flee but alas, it was too late; I was in too far.
The rope was already stretched, and I had taken those first few steps. I could not bear to look down.
So I inched along warily with both arms stretched out and discovered, much to my delight, that the experience was indeed everything that those who had conceived the idea said it would be. There were some dissenters of course, those who invoked the teenage mantra of “why do we have to read anyway?” and a handful of others politely suggested that I failed to capture their interest. Truth be told, it hurt a little. Most of my students, however, were thoroughly engaged and genuinely intrigued by the process by which an idea becomes a novel. They asked provocative questions and offered insightful comments about the characters and the thematic issues explored in the novel. It was beautiful; these young readers were provided with a window into the world of the creative arts and they peered in, learning many of the intricacies germane to creative writing. And if that were not enough, teaching what I had written years before made me fall in love all over again with my characters and the circumstances in which I placed them.
I was halfway across the ravine with nary a wiggle….but then the rope began to sway.
One of my students suggested that they write reviews of the book for me as a culminating activity. These reviews ranged from high praise to tepid interest to outright disdain. Again, the more pejorative ones stung a bit, but I was grateful nevertheless for their candor, insight and observations.
I was struggling a bit now but still had my footing.
It was only after some of my students had posted their reviews on sites like Amazon and Goodreads, that I felt my knees begin to slacken and my feet give way. The less favorable assessments stung more in print and I learned that someone with ill intent suggested that I was “compensating” students for positive reviews, even though those posted represented a fairly mixed lot. I found myself under siege, my character and integrity impugned unjustifiably. I also found myself questioning my decision making abilities; why did I agree to let my students read my book in class? It exposed me in ways that no teacher should ever be.
I made it to the other side of the ravine, but I was hanging by my hands.
Some weeks later, I received several emails from both students and parents, thanking me for being “brave” enough to teach my novel. Suddenly I felt better. Maybe I could do it again, I mused, with another one of my novels. Not a bad idea I suppose, except for the nature of my latest - a mystery/thriller called Nobody Has To Know, the dark and somewhat daring story of Cameron Baldridge, a popular high school teacher whose relationship with one of his students leads him down an unfortunate and self-destructive path.
Hmmm. I may have to pass this time. That’s one tight-rope that could easily become a noose.
Teaching my novel to my own students is an experience I shall never forget - thrilling yes, but only in a manner tantamount to a dream where I am walking a tight-rope stretched precariously across a ravine filled with rapacious creatures, all without the comfort of a safety net. Or perhaps clothing. Or both.
Gasp.
Not too long ago, both the English Director and the Superintendent of the school district where I teach English and Creative Writing recognized the value of my students reading my novel, The Legend of Mickey Tussler, in class. All of us acknowledged the unique nature of such an endeavor and proceeded with alacrity. “Your students will benefit from ‘asking the author’ about the creation of plot, characters, writer’s craft, etc.” my supervisor said. “And be given immediate, first-hand feedback. It is priceless.” The superintendent was equally ebullient. “Frank, this is a wonderful opportunity for both you and your students,” he gushed. “They get the privilege of hearing you speak about the creation of the story they are reading and analyzing it and you will be able to ascertain valuable insights into my own story as seen through the eyes of some hesitant yet inquisitive minds in return.” Hearing their spirited sentiments buoyed my own zeal. Yes, this would be a blast - an extreme alteration of the traditional classroom milieu - the pinnacle of an English teacher’s customary practice. What could possibly be more fulfilling?
Cue the tight-rope.
The first wave of trepidation came by way of a diffident, slight girl who occupied the very first seat in front of me.
“But what if we don’t like the book,” she asked in tremulous tones. “We don’t want to insult you Mr. Nappi with what we say?” I was able to ameliorate her concerns easily enough. I simply explained that we would spend some time analyzing my book in class, similar to the way we had done Huckleberry Finn, Ethan Frome, and The Great Gatsby. In an attempt to further assuage her angst, I shared that I had spoken to students from other school districts who read the book and although much of what we talked about was of the critical variety, I was still emotionally in tact and no students who voiced displeasure of any kind suffered any form of malediction. She was satisfied, but I was unmoored; the report of the shot she had fired resonated in my ears like the clashing of cymbals. What if they really don’t like it? I thought. Then what? My apprehension burgeoned exponentially and I felt the need to flee but alas, it was too late; I was in too far.
The rope was already stretched, and I had taken those first few steps. I could not bear to look down.
So I inched along warily with both arms stretched out and discovered, much to my delight, that the experience was indeed everything that those who had conceived the idea said it would be. There were some dissenters of course, those who invoked the teenage mantra of “why do we have to read anyway?” and a handful of others politely suggested that I failed to capture their interest. Truth be told, it hurt a little. Most of my students, however, were thoroughly engaged and genuinely intrigued by the process by which an idea becomes a novel. They asked provocative questions and offered insightful comments about the characters and the thematic issues explored in the novel. It was beautiful; these young readers were provided with a window into the world of the creative arts and they peered in, learning many of the intricacies germane to creative writing. And if that were not enough, teaching what I had written years before made me fall in love all over again with my characters and the circumstances in which I placed them.
I was halfway across the ravine with nary a wiggle….but then the rope began to sway.
One of my students suggested that they write reviews of the book for me as a culminating activity. These reviews ranged from high praise to tepid interest to outright disdain. Again, the more pejorative ones stung a bit, but I was grateful nevertheless for their candor, insight and observations.
I was struggling a bit now but still had my footing.
It was only after some of my students had posted their reviews on sites like Amazon and Goodreads, that I felt my knees begin to slacken and my feet give way. The less favorable assessments stung more in print and I learned that someone with ill intent suggested that I was “compensating” students for positive reviews, even though those posted represented a fairly mixed lot. I found myself under siege, my character and integrity impugned unjustifiably. I also found myself questioning my decision making abilities; why did I agree to let my students read my book in class? It exposed me in ways that no teacher should ever be.
I made it to the other side of the ravine, but I was hanging by my hands.
Some weeks later, I received several emails from both students and parents, thanking me for being “brave” enough to teach my novel. Suddenly I felt better. Maybe I could do it again, I mused, with another one of my novels. Not a bad idea I suppose, except for the nature of my latest - a mystery/thriller called Nobody Has To Know, the dark and somewhat daring story of Cameron Baldridge, a popular high school teacher whose relationship with one of his students leads him down an unfortunate and self-destructive path.
Hmmm. I may have to pass this time. That’s one tight-rope that could easily become a noose.
November 10, 2012
SUPPORT HURRICANE SANDY RELIEF EFFORTS
Please help support my school community -Oceanside, Long Island. Watch this incredible video made by a colleague to see the devastation from Hurricane Sandy: http://youtu.be/V7W9YXb4H50
I will donate ALL OF THE PROCEEDS from the sale of my book NOBODY HAS TO KNOW for the next month to OCEANSIDE COMMUNITY SERVICE. ENJOY A GOOD BOOK AND HELP REBUILD MY SCHOOL COMMUNITY.
http://www.amazon.com/Nobody-Has-To-K...
I will donate ALL OF THE PROCEEDS from the sale of my book NOBODY HAS TO KNOW for the next month to OCEANSIDE COMMUNITY SERVICE. ENJOY A GOOD BOOK AND HELP REBUILD MY SCHOOL COMMUNITY.
http://www.amazon.com/Nobody-Has-To-K...
November 4, 2012
GIVEAWAY
GIVEAWAY - TODAY AND TOMORROW ONLY - Enter to win a copy of the MOBI file for my new thriller NOBODY HAS TO KNOW. The book bestselling author Nelson DeMille called "haunting" and "masterfully written."
ENTER NOW:
http://www.franknappi.com/giveaways.html
ENTER NOW:
http://www.franknappi.com/giveaways.html
October 19, 2012
If at first you don't "succeed"...
My endeavor to craft my first mystery/thriller was in its most incipient stages fraught with much angst and trepidation. Having already established myself as a YA crossover novelist with both my first novel, ECHOES FROM THE INFANTRY, and then the release of my heralded MICKEY TUSSLER series, venturing out into unchartered waters was certainly a risk. Could I really write something of any worth in this genre? The fact that the subject matter for my foray into this new realm includes a teacher who becomes entangled in a relationship with one of his students only ramped up the drama -- I am a high school teacher and recognized right away the potential for criticism from those who were unable to separate artist from art. Still, I trudged on.
Once the story was complete, I faced my next wave of obstacles. My agent, who read the story and praised it for its literary merit, insisted that I publish it under a pseudonym. I did not share his opinion. Then when my submissions went out, several editors from many Legacy Houses, one with which I had been previously affiliated, balked. "Frank, the writing is certainly first rate, and you have crafted a wonderful story here, but readers will be put off by your protagonist -- and that will preclude them from reading."
Tough to swallow. Luckily, I did not.
My next move was to enlist the assistance of several impartial readers -- folks who had nothing invested in the project whatsoever - to ascertain their thoughts. I assembled a cadre of about 15 readers, comprised on both male and female fiction enthusiasts ranging in age. Over the course of several weeks, I began compiling the feedback and started to realize that the story I had written was indeed viable -- and in fact, it was resonating with readers. The myopic view of my protagonist that so many editors had taken was foundering -- actually, so many readers, including women, viewed him not as a lecherous predator but a damaged, forlorn soul who like many folks, is a victim of a past riddled with loss and misfortune.
Success.
Buoyed now by the validation of my initial instincts, I decided, with the help of my agent and publicist, to put the story out directly through Amazon. Naturally, there still existed an element of fear -- maybe those first readers were wrong. Perhaps the editors who rejected the story were correct in their assessments. After all, this is what they do for a living.
It was not until I received a wonderful endorsement from NY Times #1 best-selling author Nelson DeMille that I truly felt vindicated. Mr. DeMille called my novel "A haunting, briskly-paced page turner that explores the darkest recesses of the human psyche while propelling the reader through an intricate series of hair-raising twists and turns. NOBODY HAS TO KNOW is a masterfully written tale that is expertly told. Frank Nappi knows how to entertain the reader from start to finish." That praise has been followed by other formal reviews, all favorable, as well as a spate of emails from readers who are enthralled with the complexity of the characters and the pacing of the events in my novel.
This, above all else, is so gratifying.
For more information about NOBODY HAS TO KNOW, including the book trailer, excerpts, and additional praise, please visit my site www.franknappi.com .
And for those of you who decide to really see what all the buzz is about, I encourage and also welcome your insights about what you have read.
Once the story was complete, I faced my next wave of obstacles. My agent, who read the story and praised it for its literary merit, insisted that I publish it under a pseudonym. I did not share his opinion. Then when my submissions went out, several editors from many Legacy Houses, one with which I had been previously affiliated, balked. "Frank, the writing is certainly first rate, and you have crafted a wonderful story here, but readers will be put off by your protagonist -- and that will preclude them from reading."
Tough to swallow. Luckily, I did not.
My next move was to enlist the assistance of several impartial readers -- folks who had nothing invested in the project whatsoever - to ascertain their thoughts. I assembled a cadre of about 15 readers, comprised on both male and female fiction enthusiasts ranging in age. Over the course of several weeks, I began compiling the feedback and started to realize that the story I had written was indeed viable -- and in fact, it was resonating with readers. The myopic view of my protagonist that so many editors had taken was foundering -- actually, so many readers, including women, viewed him not as a lecherous predator but a damaged, forlorn soul who like many folks, is a victim of a past riddled with loss and misfortune.
Success.
Buoyed now by the validation of my initial instincts, I decided, with the help of my agent and publicist, to put the story out directly through Amazon. Naturally, there still existed an element of fear -- maybe those first readers were wrong. Perhaps the editors who rejected the story were correct in their assessments. After all, this is what they do for a living.
It was not until I received a wonderful endorsement from NY Times #1 best-selling author Nelson DeMille that I truly felt vindicated. Mr. DeMille called my novel "A haunting, briskly-paced page turner that explores the darkest recesses of the human psyche while propelling the reader through an intricate series of hair-raising twists and turns. NOBODY HAS TO KNOW is a masterfully written tale that is expertly told. Frank Nappi knows how to entertain the reader from start to finish." That praise has been followed by other formal reviews, all favorable, as well as a spate of emails from readers who are enthralled with the complexity of the characters and the pacing of the events in my novel.
This, above all else, is so gratifying.
For more information about NOBODY HAS TO KNOW, including the book trailer, excerpts, and additional praise, please visit my site www.franknappi.com .
And for those of you who decide to really see what all the buzz is about, I encourage and also welcome your insights about what you have read.
October 3, 2012
And so it begins...
So the maelstrom of commentary about my upcoming release Nobody Has To Know has
already begun. The first chapter of the book was released free less than 24
hours ago and to say that I am incredulous regarding some of the responses I have received is an understatement -- more like utterly amazed -- at just how self-absorbed and narcissistic some folks are - not to mention how incapable many people are at accepting the concept of fiction.
The simple fact that something is put in print does not automatically render it
true. And while there will always exist similarities between fictional events
and those which actually transpired, many times authors will use fictional
frameworks as a vehicle to express larger thoughts and observations about the human condition that while disturbing, need to be and should be explored.
Tim O’Brien, award winning author and in my estimation literary genius, grapples
with this very concept in his celebrated work The Things They Carried. O’Brien
explores in great detail the difference between what is true -- that is, what
actually occurred -- and what is a truth -- an abstract concept that conveys a thought or reality of what could happen in a given circumstance. The two concepts are not necessarily interchangeable.
Since at the core of certain concepts and behaviors there exists a universality, somewhere out there, there will also exist an individual or two who has experienced something similar to what an author may describe. That does not mean that the author has replicated that particular event or has “borrowed” from a particular individual’s life -- it simply underscores the point that what has been written is indeed a universal truth worthy of exploration.
It is nothing more.
Nobody Has To Know is a work of fiction -one that casts a sobering spotlight
on the damaged psyches of several characters and their struggle to navigate the tumultuous waters that result from certain decisions they make.
If one looks at the novel objectively and consider all facets of the story, it is easy to see that taboo which is revealed is simply one part of a larger tale, one that does not celebrate such indiscretion but rather condemns it and offers a fictional suggestion of what could happen when there exists a confluence of factors that happen to line up in a certain way.
I am looking forward to receiving continued feedback after the second free
chapter is made available and of course once the book is officially released on
October 16th.
Read the first chapter of my new mystery/thriller NOBODY HAS TO KNOW & watch the book trailer here: http://www.franknappi.com/index.html
Frank Nappi
already begun. The first chapter of the book was released free less than 24
hours ago and to say that I am incredulous regarding some of the responses I have received is an understatement -- more like utterly amazed -- at just how self-absorbed and narcissistic some folks are - not to mention how incapable many people are at accepting the concept of fiction.
The simple fact that something is put in print does not automatically render it
true. And while there will always exist similarities between fictional events
and those which actually transpired, many times authors will use fictional
frameworks as a vehicle to express larger thoughts and observations about the human condition that while disturbing, need to be and should be explored.
Tim O’Brien, award winning author and in my estimation literary genius, grapples
with this very concept in his celebrated work The Things They Carried. O’Brien
explores in great detail the difference between what is true -- that is, what
actually occurred -- and what is a truth -- an abstract concept that conveys a thought or reality of what could happen in a given circumstance. The two concepts are not necessarily interchangeable.
Since at the core of certain concepts and behaviors there exists a universality, somewhere out there, there will also exist an individual or two who has experienced something similar to what an author may describe. That does not mean that the author has replicated that particular event or has “borrowed” from a particular individual’s life -- it simply underscores the point that what has been written is indeed a universal truth worthy of exploration.
It is nothing more.
Nobody Has To Know is a work of fiction -one that casts a sobering spotlight
on the damaged psyches of several characters and their struggle to navigate the tumultuous waters that result from certain decisions they make.
If one looks at the novel objectively and consider all facets of the story, it is easy to see that taboo which is revealed is simply one part of a larger tale, one that does not celebrate such indiscretion but rather condemns it and offers a fictional suggestion of what could happen when there exists a confluence of factors that happen to line up in a certain way.
I am looking forward to receiving continued feedback after the second free
chapter is made available and of course once the book is officially released on
October 16th.
Read the first chapter of my new mystery/thriller NOBODY HAS TO KNOW & watch the book trailer here: http://www.franknappi.com/index.html
Frank Nappi
October 1, 2012
My New Book
It's almost here!! Read the first chapter of my soon to be released mystery/thriller NOBODY HAS TO KNOW: http://www.goodreads.com/story/show/3... …
I will be posting Chapter 2 next week....
I will be posting Chapter 2 next week....
September 16, 2012
Tampa Rays' Fernando Rodney Tops List of Notable Mound Celebrations
Check out my latest blog about the odd celebrations of MLB closers:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/13...
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/13...
September 15, 2012
MLB: A Tale of Two Seasons
My latest blog:
New York Mets in 2012: An MLB Tale of 2 Seasons
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/13...
New York Mets in 2012: An MLB Tale of 2 Seasons
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/13...
September 3, 2012
Can We Separate the Artist from the Art?
The ability for an audience of any kind to separate an artist from his art is
one of the most provocative debates of all time. And it is one that continues to insinuate itself into every facet of American culture.
I am reminded of this all the time.
When I endeavor to facilitate the genius of Edgar Allan Poe to students in my
American Literature classes, I am invariably and reluctantly drawn into a
polemic about whether or not Mr. Poe was twisted and deranged and should be
reviled rather than revered. I believe Stephen King has been subjected to
similar criticism. The fact that some author choose to explore the macabre does not automatically render them social deviants. This sort of logic would then force readers to assume that EL James is into sado masochism in the wake of the publication of the novel “50 Shades of Grey.”
The art world has always entertained this rift between artist and art. The
paintings of Pablo Picasso, in particular his Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, have often engendered among some critics speculation and ultimately criticism over the artist’s intention. Is it art, some wonder, or simply the maniacal expressions of a mind both damaged and dangerous? I am not so sure that Picasso’s masterpiece, which explores life at a brothel for five prostitutes, should automatically become an indictment of his own sexual habits or proclivities.
Even baseball and its athletes are not immune to such conjecture. As a staunch
New York Met fan, I have struggled with this very issue each time I watch the
New York Yankee captain, Derek Jeter, take the field. While I loathe with every fiber of my being everything in Yankee town, I cannot help but marvel at and ultimately respect all of Jeter’s accomplishments. He is, undeniably, one of the game’s greats and deserves to be appreciated for his talent and not vilified for the uniform he wears.
Easier said than done some days.
If time and space permitted, I could list countless other examples of this
conundrum as well, covering film, television, and other artistic mediums.
And now, as I prepare to release my latest novel, which chronicles the
indiscretions of Cameron Baldridge, a high school English teacher, I am left
pondering whether or not I am setting myself up for some very odd looks as I
pass through the hallways of the school at which I have taught English for 24 years.
“Nobody Has To Know” is a major deviation from my previous work. It is a dark and somewhat daring thriller which tells the story of Cameron Baldridge, a popular high school teacher whose relationship with one of his students leads him down an unfortunate and self-destructive path.
Stalked through text-messages, Baldridge fights for his life against a terrifying extortion plot and the forces that threaten to expose him. “Nobody Has To Know” is a sobering look into a world of secrets, lies, and shocking revelations, and is designed to leave the reader wondering many things, including whether or not you can ever really know the person you love.
Okay.
That being said, I realize that the initial response of one who takes a cursory glance at this might include the raising of an eyebrow and an unkind thought or two, but I must try to set aside any trepidation and cling to the hope that we are enlightened enough as a society to allow a teacher to tell the story of another teacher (fictitious) without impugning his own character. I am waiting with anticipation to see how my readers and my colleagues react to NHTK and to hear your thoughts!
one of the most provocative debates of all time. And it is one that continues to insinuate itself into every facet of American culture.
I am reminded of this all the time.
When I endeavor to facilitate the genius of Edgar Allan Poe to students in my
American Literature classes, I am invariably and reluctantly drawn into a
polemic about whether or not Mr. Poe was twisted and deranged and should be
reviled rather than revered. I believe Stephen King has been subjected to
similar criticism. The fact that some author choose to explore the macabre does not automatically render them social deviants. This sort of logic would then force readers to assume that EL James is into sado masochism in the wake of the publication of the novel “50 Shades of Grey.”
The art world has always entertained this rift between artist and art. The
paintings of Pablo Picasso, in particular his Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, have often engendered among some critics speculation and ultimately criticism over the artist’s intention. Is it art, some wonder, or simply the maniacal expressions of a mind both damaged and dangerous? I am not so sure that Picasso’s masterpiece, which explores life at a brothel for five prostitutes, should automatically become an indictment of his own sexual habits or proclivities.
Even baseball and its athletes are not immune to such conjecture. As a staunch
New York Met fan, I have struggled with this very issue each time I watch the
New York Yankee captain, Derek Jeter, take the field. While I loathe with every fiber of my being everything in Yankee town, I cannot help but marvel at and ultimately respect all of Jeter’s accomplishments. He is, undeniably, one of the game’s greats and deserves to be appreciated for his talent and not vilified for the uniform he wears.
Easier said than done some days.
If time and space permitted, I could list countless other examples of this
conundrum as well, covering film, television, and other artistic mediums.
And now, as I prepare to release my latest novel, which chronicles the
indiscretions of Cameron Baldridge, a high school English teacher, I am left
pondering whether or not I am setting myself up for some very odd looks as I
pass through the hallways of the school at which I have taught English for 24 years.
“Nobody Has To Know” is a major deviation from my previous work. It is a dark and somewhat daring thriller which tells the story of Cameron Baldridge, a popular high school teacher whose relationship with one of his students leads him down an unfortunate and self-destructive path.
Stalked through text-messages, Baldridge fights for his life against a terrifying extortion plot and the forces that threaten to expose him. “Nobody Has To Know” is a sobering look into a world of secrets, lies, and shocking revelations, and is designed to leave the reader wondering many things, including whether or not you can ever really know the person you love.
Okay.
That being said, I realize that the initial response of one who takes a cursory glance at this might include the raising of an eyebrow and an unkind thought or two, but I must try to set aside any trepidation and cling to the hope that we are enlightened enough as a society to allow a teacher to tell the story of another teacher (fictitious) without impugning his own character. I am waiting with anticipation to see how my readers and my colleagues react to NHTK and to hear your thoughts!
