We are happy to help our good friend, Stephanie Faris, spread the news about her new book, Piper Morgan Joins the Circus, to be be released in 2016.
We revealed the cover on Wednesday, and today Stephanie will share a little about her experience writing the story.
Learning About the Circus
by Stephanie Faris
by Stephanie Faris
Do you know what’s frustrating about writing about the circus? There never seems to be one in town when you need it! I spent hours watching circus videos on YouTube, but I had the feeling being there would be so much more helpful. I contacted the biggest circus company’s PR department but I couldn’t get a response. I have to admit I was hoping they’d hear I was writing a book and give me a behind-the-scenes tour the next time they were in the area! No such luck.
But I have my editor, Alyson Heller, to thank for one of the biggest things I learned about the circus. Originally I had my characters traveling by train because my research shows that Ringling Bros. Circus travels by train. But she asked a question that prompted me to dig a little deeper. While trains have proven to be a great way to transport the heavy equipment and animals in a circus, most circuses travel by bus and RV. But Ringling Bros. still travels by train—there are even YouTube videos of them passing through towns.
Is this the most reasonable form of transportation? Probably not. But Ringling Bros. seems to like the ceremony and tradition of it all. Plus, it’s a fun way for the circus performers to live.
I also stopped to think about the fact that circuses aren’t in tents anymore. I knew this, of course, but I never really thought about it. I never attended a circus in a tent, yet I watched a movie as a kid where they showed circuses in tents. Doesn’t it seem like it would be more fun to attend a circus under a “big top” rather than in a big auditorium?
What’s most amazing to me about the circus is that children are born into it. Entire generations become circus performers, with kids training from a young age to be trapeze artists, animal trainers, and tightrope walkers. What an exciting environment for a kid!
When was the last time you went to the circus?
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| Coming to town in 2016 |
I saw Ringling Bros. many years ago, and yes, it was in a coliseum. I think all of the circuses I've seen have been in a building.
ReplyDeleteSeems all the circuses in Nashville are inside...I think the Shrine does theirs at the same auditorium where the wrestlers do their shows. It is weird to work out the logistics of how they get all those animals from the train to the auditorium...so it was SO much easier once I let go of the train concept! I don't know how Ringling Bros. does that part of it. Arenas aren't really located adjacent to train tracks in every town!
DeleteI think it is a dream of many children to run away and join the circus. Put off by animal performers as a child, I first went to the circus as an adult and loved it bar the clowns who I've never found funny.
ReplyDeleteWere you afraid of clowns? I didn't even know how many kids are afraid of them until I got older. They're much kinder to animals now, I think--they have to be! I'm glad people hold them accountable for that now.
DeleteNo, I'm not particularly afraid of clowns - though I do find those china clown dolls scary and as for Stephen King's It? - I just don't find them funny.
DeleteIt's been years since I attended a circus, but I remember them well. Yes, the ones I went to were under a tent. One year while I was still teaching, the circus set up their tent on school property. We were lucky and they let us bring our classes over and watch them set things up. It was raining cats and dogs, and the ground was muddy, but the kids had a blast.
ReplyDeleteBeverly- I don't think I ever went to one under a tent. That is what I picture in my mind though. :) ~L
DeleteCute cover and interesting premise.
ReplyDeleteBrandi- Piper is definitely cute! :) ~L
DeleteThis does sound like such a cute story :) I bet Stephanie did have fun with the research of it. I remember a few years back watching Craigslist for jobs for son and there was a job for a cook for Ringling Brothers Circus. I thought that could be interesting, assuming one could cook for that large of a crowd.
ReplyDeleteI think the last time I was at the circus was late 1990s/early 2000s with the kids. Always a fun adventure though!
betty
Betty- I have never seen a want add for any type of circus job. A traveling cook is probably someone's dream job. :) ~L
DeleteFeel happy to see Piper Morgan everywhere! Congrats Stephanie.
ReplyDeleteRachna- I loved seeing Stephanie everywhere too! :) ~L
DeleteHmmm...I have a fear of circuses and clowns...I kind of avoid them...I think I fear puppets, too!
ReplyDeletePatty- I can understand those fears! :) ~L
DeleteCircuses, or at least those involving animals, have been banned in my city for years. The acrobatic circuses still come, and I have seen them in tents. Hastily constructed, giant tents.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of circuses, have you read 'The Night Circus'? One of my best books for 2014.
Love seeing Stephanie's latest book everywhere.
Thank you both.
I haven't read The Night Circus yet- but have been wanting to for ages. I am a big fan of acrobatic circuses. The acrobats are so amazing! :) ~L
DeleteLove this review!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Stephanie!!!
Thanks for visiting, Gloria! :) ~L
DeleteI like how you do your research Stephanie. I've never been to the circus with animal acts in them. I've seen plenty in movies or on TV but never seen one in person.
ReplyDeleteMy mom didn't trust the circus workers and thought they were pick pockets and I grew up thinking that I would have to secure my money pouch real good if I ever went to the circus. I think that because we were a big family and had no spare money to spend at the circus, my mother came up with the idea that they were pick pockets. I'll never know now.
Hugs, (PS. Sorry I'm late on this one.
JB
Julia- How interesting! Maybe your mom had a bad experience once or heard about a bad experience someone else had. Or - you are right she could have made it up because there wasn't enough money to go. Isn't interesting to think about the things we are told. :) ~L
DeleteThe story sounds really cute... I've never been to a circus.. it sounds like a fun time xox ♡
ReplyDeleteLaunna- Seeing acrobatic circuses is an experience you will never forget. I am always amazed at their grace! :) ~L
DeleteHi Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are in a perfect dichotomy when it comes to circus. I watched one when I was a kid and I enjoyed it coz it was those in a huge tent. Kinda pretty authentic. I hate the clowns. I don't find them funny but I love all those with animals. And then when I grew older, I read and watched videos on all the cruelty to the animals and decided to boycott circus. Slowly, circus upgraded to those more elegant ones performed at auditorium and somehow, the feel is gone.
Hi Jessica,
Thanx for the FB request. I'm so glad that we are connected on more platforms now!
Jo
Jo's Jumbled Jardinière
Hi Jo- I am glad we connected on more platforms too! :)
DeleteI never saw a circus under a tent- but it sounds like they used to be popular. Have you seen any circuses that only have people performing (no animals)? If not- you will be blown away by their moves when you see one. :) ~L
I'm glad to see Stephanie Faris here. Here books are always so cute.
ReplyDeleteVanessa- Stephanie does have very eye catching covers! :) ~L
DeleteThere was a small circus that set up camp in a field two summers ago and they actually had a tent. However, the didn't travel on the train. It'd be funny to see them travel on the Tube.
ReplyDeleteTB- That would be something to see! :) ~L
DeleteI think it's an exciting way to grow up, but challenging at the same time. I'm sure a lot of circus kids wish they went to a normal school and had a more normal life...
ReplyDeleteMisha- It does sound like a different life and I am sure there are lots of kids who love it and just as many who wish they had a more typical life. :) ~L
DeleteCute book. Love the cover.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you love it, Donna! Nice to see you around the blogosphere again. I hope your family member is doing well. :) ~L
DeleteI have read Stephanie's blog before but it is so nice that you are helping to spread the word! I actually never have thought about it too much, but I guess seeing circus's in tents and traveling by train are just old fashioned traditional things. I wish they still happened though, to add the magic to it.
ReplyDeleteOlivia- Savannah- The tents and trains do add magic to it. :) We always love helping to spread the word about other books and authors. Glad you know Stephanie from her blog! ~Jess and Stephanie
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