Jan is Jan Fields, moderator of this interview/workshop, and Web Editor of the ICL Web Site. While red signals our guest speaker's responses. Green shows names or usernames of people and the questions they asked of our speaker.

Jan: Welcome to Writer's Retreat. We have a great guest this week with Keri Milkulski, the author of SCREWBALL, the first Ashley Clarke novel.

Jan: Keri Mikulski will be answering questions beginning Wednesday on writing sports stories as she's had success with both magazines stories and books featuring sports. Right now, my bookshelf is packed with novels featuring sports as well as sports biographies and sports stories with historical settings -- especially sports with girl characters. So if you're the sporty sort, this could be a great opportunity for you since clearly editors are open to sports stories for girls.

Keri: Hi, Everyone! I'm looking forward to answering everyone's questions and discussions. Thanks so much for the invite!

chippy: Welcome Keri. I'm looking forward to seeing what you can tell us.

Eve: Welcome Keri, I am also looking forward to seeing what you have to tell us. My daughter loves to play sports so it will be interesting to see if any of those experiences can be used in a story.

Natalie: Hi Keri! I'm looking forward to chatting with you too. Thanks so much for coming along!

Keri: Thanks for the warm welcome, everyone!! Feel free to fire away!

yaya: I would like to know if you think that kids would rather read true stories about other athletes or fiction stories about kids their own age.

Keri: Hmm.. I think it depends on the kid. I taught for eight years and witnessed kids who loved to read biographies and/or nonfiction and kids who only wanted to read fiction. However, overall, I do believe most kids prefer fiction. But, teachers need a lot of nonfiction. So, I guess my answer is both.

Yaya: I was also wondering if you think that games and word puzzles are something that appeal to the youth.

Keri: Absolutely! A lot of magazines ask for games.

yaya: Do you think that lessons, if done discreetly, are wise to put into sports stories?

Keri: Like you said, as long as they're done discreetly and is actually part of the story, lessons are great to integrate into a sports story. And sports allow for a great opportunity to include a life lesson. I learned so much from participating.

yaya: Is there an age level that seems to respond more favorably to sports stories than any other age?

Keri: From my experience, middle grade/tween. They are pretty much in the thick of the sports craze because so many kids are playing and loving sports. If you write for the younger audience (2 - 6 years old), they don't really understand the complexity of the games and/or sport, so the stories are limited. And by the time most kids are teens, they're only playing sports if they really enjoy competition or if they're excelling.

yaya: Have you ever written sports stories with the purpose of reaching the non-sports reader?

Keri: Yes! I wrote SCREWBALL to appeal over to both the sporty and the non-sporty reader. And it worked. I had many readers and reviewers contact me to let me know, they hate sports, but loved SCREWBALL. But, some also asked me to cut out the sports scenes in my next book.

yaya: Who do you think is more anxious for stories about sports; boys or girls?

Keri: Boys.. However, girls do love to read about sports and are thirsting for some more sporty books.

yaya: Which sports do you see as most and least popular, in order of popularity?

Keri: It depends on gender and whether popularity is broken down into what kids like to watch and/or what kids like to play. I found a couple of links, which list the most popular participation sports for girls and boys and what 7 - 11 year olds like to watch.

Keri: High school - http://www.allbusiness.com/retail-trade/miscellaneous-retail-miscellaneous/4458145-1.html

Keri: Kids - http://activehousehold.com/2008/02/top-5-most-popular-kids-sports-worldwide/

Keri: Television - http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/article/115109

Keri: In my opinion and solely related to girls:

1. Basketball
2. Track/Cross Country
3. Volleyball
4. Soccer
5. Softball
6. Spirit Squads
7. Golf
8. Field Hockey, Lacrosse
9. Extreme Sports

yaya: Do you still enjoy sports and, if so, which ones?

Keri: Yes!!!! I love to coach and play softball, although with a three year old and a bum shoulder, I don't get much time to play anymore. I also love to play soccer, golf, and basketball. I run 5K's because I'm still dying to compete, but I'm not very fast. I love to watch all sports - baseball, softball, football, etc..

yaya: Do you have one or more favorite sports teams? If so, please tell me which sport this/these team(s) play, as I do not know one team from another. Also, why is this/these your favorite team?

Keri: Yes!!! Besides the Olympic softball team, the New York Yankees are my absolute fave sports team. I love their tradition and pride and uh, Derek Jeter. I also follow Notre Dame football. And I'm slowing becoming a Cleaveland Browns fan because of Notre Dame alumnus, Brady Quinn. I also love watching softball and I'm a fan of all the college teams. I'm extremely blessed to have met the Olympic Softball team members and coaching staff and they are truly amazing athletes and individuals.

yaya: Do you think that there is any sport that would do well in the Picture Book area?

Keri: There are a few sporty picture books out already by professional athletes. I'm completely biased, but I think all sports will do well as a picture book.

yaya: Maybe I missed it, but I don't recall seeing what you taught. I'm guessing, sports, of course. But my curiosity is piqued and I'd love to know if you taught something else, as well.

Keri: I taught seventh grade Language Arts for five years, first grade for a year, and health for two. I've coached softball for ten years and soccer for two. Presently, I teach college freshman part time.

yaya: Did your parents try to get you to follow a different path?

Keri: Hmm.. Good question. When it comes to sports, parents are definitely very influential and a huge part of my SCREWBALL series. My parents were a constant sports support system to me, but they never, ever pushed me to play or even pushed me to coach. In fact, I took a year off from basketball and soccer, at one point in my career and they didn't say a word. Of course, I missed each sport terribly and returned as soon as I could, but it was a good lesson. As far as my present writing career, after many different jobs, my parents did kind of look at me funny at first when I told them I wanted to write, but they always support my decisions. But, the funny look was for different reasons.

yaya: Did you always love sports?

Keri: Yes!! My earliest, happiest memories were with a ball. My older brother, Dad, and I set up hockey, soccer, and football games in the hallway and kitchen. It was a blast. However, my poor mother didn't think so. She locked herself in the bedroom and waited for something to break.

yaya: What particular sport was the catalyst for you to want to get out and be involved in the first place?

Keri: Actually, it was dance. My mom signed me up for dance when I was three years old. I was insanely bored, hated standing and pointing my toes, and wanted to run, so the next year, she signed me up for a mini soccer league. I absolutely loved it and played ever since.

yaya: Was that the same sport that was the reason you made your life's choice or, did you lean towards something else, by then? By that, of course, I mean a different sport.

Keri: Sports taught me so much about life. Soccer was definitely my favorite sport, but I was way more natural at softball. I knew softball was going to offer me more as far as college opportunities and coaching, so I began to concentrate more on softball. I always wanted to give back and coach. I feel very strongly that girls, no matter what they like to do - art, music, sports - should become involved in something that creates a sense of belonging, happiness, and creates a sense of girl power. If I didn't have sports, especially in my teens, I'm not sure I would have chosen the path I did.

yaya: I'm sure you are involved in sports with your three year old, but do you see yourself pushing him/her into the sports world?

Keri: It's funny everyone assumes because my husband and I coach, we're psycho about our daughter playing sports. It's the opposite. Yes, she does attend practices with me, games, and matches because that's our lifestyle. But, we actually recently decided to impose a rule at the house. If our daughter wants to play sports we'll do everything we can to support her dreams. However, we will encourage her to become involved in something non-sporty too. My hubby and I have witnessed too many athletes put their hopes and dreams into a sport and one injury or one bad experience and it's over. A funny story. I signed my daughter up for dance this year. She HATED it. She wanted to run. So, we signed her up for karate.

yaya: Thank you for some great and informative answers. I can see that your life is filled to the brim and running over. What joy you must experience! You have a three year old and you still find time to write. I tip my hat to you. I don't know how you do it.

Keri: Awe.. Thanks.. It's a crazy balance. I write a lot during the early mornings, night, and through Sesame Street.

yaya: Do you think there are some lessons that kids need to see, today, more than others?

Keri: Interesting. I guess it depends. When I write fiction, especially my novels, my writing is very plot and character driven. The 'lesson' of the story or growth of the character is usually one of the last things I flesh out before revisions. But, yes, I do think as far as sports are concerned, I feel teens are under a bit more pressure today then in the past.

yaya: What kind of pressure?

Keri: As far as sports are concerned, I think kids today are under a lot more pressure to perform at a high level. Previously, kids played many different sports and were well rounded athletes. Today, a lot of kids specialize and concentrate on one sport at a very young age in the hopes of snagging a scholarship or turning professional.

yaya: Of course, any lessons within stories would have to be done tastefully, but do you think that some kids read (fiction or nonfiction) with the hopes of learning how to handle some of their challenges?

Keri: Yes and no. I guess that's why I always write the story first. Personally, regarding teens/tweens, I believe they want to read a story that relates to their lives and/or allows them to escape from their own. If a lesson is included, it shouldn't be obvious, like a lecture.

yaya: We were very involved with our children and sort of insisted that they get involved in one season of a couple of different sports, even though we are not what you might call 'Sports Enthusiasts.' However, we also made sure they were active in many other areas, such as acting, dance and debating. Art was always a big part of our lives and as it turned out, all of our children chose to study art as their 'Life's Profession.' My question, then, is how do you feel about families who do not get their children very involved in sports?

Keri: Love 'art'. To each is own. I really have no opinion on what other families do. I think it's really up to the child if he or she wants to play.

yaya: Did you enjoy teaching Language Arts?

Keri: Yes, I did.. It was a blast.

yaya: Obviously, you liked teaching sports. Do you like teaching very small children, middle grade, high school or college, best?

Keri: Middle grade and high school are my faves. Very small children are fun, but they usually lack the coordination to play softball. And college age are intense, but amazing to work with. I guess I like them all.

yaya: What do you teach in college?

Keri: I teach writing - College Composition 1.

yaya: You said that you were injured and it took you out of sports for awhile, is that right? Do you mind telling the nature of your injury?

Keri: Sure. During my first year of college, I tore my rotator cuff and was unable to play for a year.

yaya: If you did not have sports to teach, would you still teach? What would you rather teach, if you did not teach sports?

Keri: Yup!I really enjoy teaching writing.

chippy: Keri, do sports stories have to be about the better known sports, or can they be about a sport that is not covered so much. I'm thinking of things like rugby, tennis, etc. I'm just wondering if the lesser covered sports have any popularity in magazines and books.

Keri: It would depend on what the editor and/or publisher is looking for. But, personally, I think editors probably see a ton of work about popular sports and a story about a lesser known sport, such as rugby or snowboarding, would catch their eye. Again, if the story is done in a way in which it teaches the reader about the story, then, in my opinion, it has huge potential.

Jan: I think most types of stories have a few overdone plots. Can you think of any overdone plot ideas that might be common to sports stories -- things to avoid in search of something new and fresh?

Keri: Great question! I totally agree. The plot I spot over and over again in regards to girls' sports is a girl trying to play with the boys. Although, I've seen it done in fresh and in new and exciting ways, it's still a bit overdone. Especially, since women's sports has come a long way, it's really not as much of a struggle as it used to be (although it is still a struggle and I've spoken to plenty of girls who still deal with this issue). On the other hand, a historical fiction piece pre Title Nine would be interesting... Actually, I always enjoy stories of a girl making it on a boy's team. But, this is definitely the girls sports story I see the most. Some other overdone plots in regards to general sports stories are (my opinion ): (1.) Making the cut or being cut (2.) Winning the big game.

Natalie: You listed sports that girls would like to read about and that are more mainstream. When I was 15-17 I played roller hockey on a boys team and played as the Goalie. I have a lot of different experiences from this and was wondering if you think it would be worthwhile to either do a self-piece on my experience or make it into a fiction work. Do you think girls would find this interesting?

Keri: I think your experiences playing roller hockey with boys would be a wonderful fiction story. And yes, I do think girls would find this interesting. Especially if you have some insider knowledge.

Natalie: I also wrote a piece on BMX that was rejected and I targeted the 10-12 age range. I snuck a little lesson in there but was wondering if you think 10-12 year old boys would still read a piece that was a story about BMXing and not a non-fiction article? As you can see, I'm more into the extreme end of sports I guess.

Keri: Yes, I do. Extreme sports are on the rise and are becoming much more popular. The website I write for, Pretty Tough - www.prettytough.com - is always including pieces about extreme sports.

Natalie: Do you find it easier to write about sports pieces because you've played them? I'm asking because of the "write what you know" idea.

Keri: Definitely. When I'm writing my SCREWBALL series, I actually have to do very little research because of my involvement and experience with softball. Therefore, I'm able to write the books much faster then others.

Joseph: Hi, I've been following the discussion so far. You said that you've done nonfiction for magazines about sports. What kinds of things do you do? I assume a magazine wouldn't just buy an article on soccer rules, so what really can you write about sports and sell? Just profiles? And if you do profiles, where do you find the subjects, are they all children you and your husband coached.

Keri: Hi, Joseph! As far as nonfiction magazine work, I've done profiles, training tips, overall articles about a particular sport, how to's, step-by-step exercises, and product recommendations.

Keri: The biggest seller is training tips, profiles, and workouts. I was lucky to work as a personal trainer and a nurse (I've had a few too many careers), so these articles are pretty easy to knock out.

Keri: I've done profiles on middle school, high school, college, and professional athletes. Some were assignments, some were girls I've coached, and others I searched out. For the profiles I've found, I keep up on the sport and try to contact an interesting person.

Keri: For example, I was lucky enough to chat with Angela Tincher recently. She led Virginia Tech to a no hit, shut out against Team USA during last Spring's Bound 4 Beijing tour before the Olympics. After I spent the day covering a unrelated Bound 4 Beijing game for PRETTY TOUGH, I spoke to another journalist who put me in touch with Tincher. Other times, I've cold called the university or team, which works.

Leah: Is baseball considered a girls' sport? If not, would it be weird if I put that in a story? Where there was a girls' baseball team?

Keri: In my experience, a lot of girls play baseball when they are younger, then switch to softball. However, there are plenty of exceptions to this rule and yes girls still do play baseball. In fact, a few years back, a girl participated on the baseball team instead of the softball team at the high school I coached at. And she was a very talented player. No, I don't think it would be weird at all. One of the best sports movies of all time, LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN, is based on a girls' baseball team. I found this cool girls baseball website.. http://www.girlsplaybaseball.com/ Good luck with your story!

Leah: *Grins.* Thanks, Ms. Keri, that helped a lot! I'm glad that you were asked to come here!

Mary: Do you think a person has to be an athlete to write sports stories?

Keri: Awesome question. And again, I'm going to say.. It depends. No, I'm going to change that answer - No, I don't think you need to be an athlete to write a sporty story. However, if you never played the sport, make sure you do a ton of research. As an athlete, I can tell write away when I read a sporty story if the author didn't take the time to research. Also, make sure to immerse yourself around the sport specific athletes. Because each sport is different and each athlete is different. I have theories on the different type of people who play different types of sports. One of the best tools I have as an author of sports fiction is I'm around high school athletes nine months out of the year - my hubby and I both coach high school athletics. It helps a ton with jargon and new terms and of course, new drama.

Mary: Can you name some magazines that you think are especially interested in sports stories?

Keri: Sure. Be sure to check websites, some of the magazines have specific guidelines and needs.

• HIGHLIGHTS FOR CHILDREN
• AMERICAN CHEERLEADING
• GOLFER GIRL
• CRICKET
• HORSEPOWER
• JACK AND JILL
• SEEK
• SOCCER YOUTH
• SOFTBALL YOUTH
• SPORTING KID
• SPORTING YOUTH
• SPORTS ILLUSTRATED FOR KIDS
• USA GYMNASTICS
• YOUTHRUNNER
• SKATING
• SKIING
• SURFING
• HOPSCOTCH
• WINNER

Jan: Can you just skim some of the sports fiction you've written and share what the stories/books are about? Just to give an idea of some ideas and plots that sold!

Keri: When I began writing professionally two years ago this month, my goal was to create stories and articles for girls who love sports. More specifically, novels for teens who love to read and love sports. In regards to sports related articles and stories, I've sold way more sports nonfiction articles then sports fiction. And the types of sports articles that almost always sell are sports specific workouts and/or training tips.

Keri: Sporty Magazines: Golfer Girl, Highlights, Softball Youth, Fastpitch Forever, Current Health 1, Current Health 2

Keri: Sporty Websites: Pretty Tough and LIVESTRONG

Keri: Sporty Books: Six book SCREWBALL series

• Book 1: SCREWBALL - January 2008
• Book 2: CHANGE UP - Spring 2009
• Book 3: TBD
• Book 4: TBD


• Prequel 1: GETTING TO FIRST - TBD
• Prequel 2: TBD

Keri: Basically, the SCREWBALL series follows fastpitch fanatic Ashley Clarke as she navigates through the turbulent waters of high school, boyfriends, mean girls, and elite softball.

Keri: My agent and I are working on another series, VARSITY PREP, but it's in the beginning stages and hush hush. Hopefully, I'll post a YAY when it sells.

Keri: Here's the SCREWBALL synopsis: Things have been sweet for fourteen-year old freshman fastpitch fanatic Ashley Clarke.

Keri: She's happy and content as the starting pitcher for her stress-free fourteen and under ASA team. During her time away from the diamond, she's either sprinting down the soccer field, bouncing a basketball, or hanging at the beach with her BFF, Lizzy.

Keri: But one sizzling summer day, hottie junior jock Andrew spots her at a pizza shop and Ashley's life changes forever. Meanwhile, her friend, Kate, talks her into joining the Crush, an elite sixteen and under team loaded with tough competition. Shortly after playing in her first game, Ashley finds out new Crush teammate Christy not only hates her guts, but is determined to ruin Ashley's future for good.

Keri: Join Ashley as she struggles juggling sports, school, and a social life. Will Christy and her cronies force Ashley to quit the Crush? Or will she give it all up to spend more time with Andrew? And who's the new guy in Ashley's life complicating things?

Keri: Here's the CHANGE UP synopsis: As sophomore summer heats up at Sunray Beach, so does Jake Cole and Ashley Clarke’s long distance relationship. But, Ashley’s overprotective cop father forbids Ashley to see Jake, causing Ashley to sneak around while sinking deeper and deeper into a smudge of lies and deceit. She begins to wonder if her parents are right about Jake when he shows up at times bruised, beaten, and hanging out with shady people.

Keri: Back on the diamond, the Cape Town Crush Softball team is doing amazing, even earning a bid to Nationals, but fellow pitcher Christy Mayer’s up to her old tricks and snags a golden opportunity to ruin Ashley’s softball future for good. Ashley and Rachel Harris, a softball superstar who joins the Crush midseason, hit it off and hang out until Ashley discovers Rachel’s secret past. In the meantime, Ashley’s BFF Lizzy hits the Sunray party scene in a major way, leaving Ashley in the dust unless she decides to join in.

Keri: Like waves modify a beach, this summer promises to be a season of change for Ashley Clarke. Will Ashley and Jake’s relationship survive sophomore summer? Is this the end of a fifteen year friendship between Lizzy and Ashley? And what’s the deal with Rachel?

Jenn: I wrote a story about a girl wanting to play on a boys team and an editor said it felt dated. Do all boys let girls on teams now?

Keri: Unfortunately, it depends on the sport and how the story was written. Since the introduction of Title Nine in 1972, girls cannot be discriminated against in regards to any activity receiving federal funds. And every year, girls sports are growing tremendously. Therefore, it's gender bias isn't the issue it used to be. BUT, it does still happen. Many people believe if a girl wants to play baseball, then they should play softball and if girls want to wrestle, they should only wrestle other girls. What I see happening more then a girl wanting to play on a boy's team is a girl being denied the opportunity to compete against other boys, even on a professional level. Good luck with your story!

Linda: Do sports stories (fiction) always have to be about really common sports like basketball and soccer? It seems that's all I see in magazine but I would like to do one on fencing -- do you think an editor would be open to that? Are lesser known sports okay for fiction?

Keri: I don't think all sports stories have to be about common sports.. However, an editor might disagree since the publisher's goal is to attract readers. And the more readers who play the sport, the more interest the book or story will generate. However, if you spin the story to include interesting facts about the lesser known sport, it will then have an educational spin, which will make the story more appealing to a wider audience. Recently, I interviewed Jessica Burkhart on my blog about her horse riding fiction series, Cantorwood Crest. She mentioned Western riding and it made me want to read her series to learn what Western riding means. The best advice I've ever been given is to 'Just Do It'. Write the story, then see where it will fit. The great thing about sports, especially nonfiction, is there are a lot of smaller magazine publications and websites that specialize in one sport. I would write it, then find its home. Good luck!

Jan: Thanks Keri for everything. You've been super!